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Mr. President, I would like to thank Ambassador Gary Quinlan for his 90-day briefing on the work of the Security Council Committee on Iran. I would also wish to commend the Committee and its Panel of Experts for their important work. Lithuania strongly believes in a need of a comprehensive, negotiated and long-term solution, which would build international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme, in full compliance with its international obligations. Lithuania welcomes progress achieved in the implementation of the 24November 2013 Joint Plan of Action by the E3+3 and Iran. It is encouraging that the talks have now moved into the drafting phase. We encourage Iran to engage constructively with the E3+3 in resolving all outstanding issues, including those related to the possible undisclosed military dimension to the nuclear programme.

We also welcome the continuing cooperation of Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency under the Framework for Cooperation. It is encouraging that the Agency could confirm the implementation by Iran of 6initial and 7subsequent practical measures, as well as the agreement on further 5practical measures. The provision of design or other relevant information, as well as access to various facilities, is an essential element in helping the Agency to build a clearer picture of Iran’s nuclear programme.

Pending the comprehensive solution, however, allSecurity Council sanctions imposed on Iran remain in effect. Both Iran and Member States, as well as their nationals and entities, are obliged to fully implement relevant Security Council measures, therefore the work of both the Committee and the Panel of Experts in verifying compliance should remain unaffected.

We welcome the Final report of the Panel of Experts and its swift public release. We are particularly pleased with Panel’s in-depth analysis of methods used for sanctions’ evasion and the financing of prohibited activities. The report also contains very sensible recommendations that should be addressed by the Committee without delay.

It is important to note that majority of incidents investigated by the Panel of Experts were related with items that fall below established control thresholds. This underscores the need for guidance to Member States on the implementation of the “catch-all” clause. We would see merit in adoption of the implementation assistance notice in this regard, as recommended by the Panel of Experts in 2013.

We remain concerned about the disturbing pattern of conventional arms embargo violations with persistent reports of arms transfers to Syria and elsewhere. The Panel’s final report rightly points out that actions of Iran on conventional arms stand in clear contrast to apparent restraint in areas related to the nuclear programme. The latest case discussed at the Committee that involves attempted transfer from Iran of containers with concealed rockets, mortars and related material on the vessel Klos C was another clear violation of Iran’s obligations to comply with an arms embargo. It merits an appropriate response from the Committee.

Finally, let me reaffirm Lithuania’s support to all efforts geared at finding a comprehensive solution to the Iran’s nuclear issue that would be the basis for building international confidence in an exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. We reiterate our hope that Iran’s engagement in E3+3 talks would also translate into cooperation with the 1737 Committee.

Thank you, Mr. President.