News

Madam President, Let me thank Ambassador Román Oyarzun Marchesi (Spain) for his report and efforts in steering the Committee during this crucial year. Lithuania welcomes the fact that since the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was agreed in Vienna five months ago, all sides have been taking the necessary steps according to the agreed schedule. The Implementation Day is undoubtedly the next important milestone and Lithuania hopes that Iran will complete its nuclear commitments fully and in good faith. At the same time, international community’s ability to verify the implementation of these commitments is indispensable and the IAEA must be granted full access and cooperation by Iran as well as be given all the time it needs to thoroughly verify the fulfilment of Iran’s nuclear commitments.

Resolving outstanding issues regarding Iran’s nuclear programme, including its possible military dimensions, is another important element in building international community’s trust. In this regard we note the IAEA report on the Final Assessment on Past and Present Outstanding Issues regarding Iran’s Nuclear Programme, which assesses that a range of activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device were conducted in Iran prior to the end of 2003 with some continuing thereafter. The report also states that the Agency has no credible indications of Iran’s activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device after 2009.  In this regard, Lithuania welcomes adoption earlier today by consensus of the IAEA Board of Governors resolution on JCPOA implementation and verification and monitoring in Iran.

Madam President,

As efforts to reach the Implementation Day continue, all Security Council sanctions remain in effect and must be robustly implemented by all UN Member States. The Sanctions Committee must also fully implement its mandate and take appropriate action in response to sanctions violations.

As on previous occasions, Lithuania cannot ignore the fact that Iran, while making steps under the JCPOA, continues to disregard certain provisions of the Security Council resolutions, in particular those related to ballistic missile programme and conventional arms.

In this regard we note with concern the conclusion of the Panel of Experts that the launch of the Emad medium range ballistic missile on 10 October was a violation by Iran of the Security Council resolution 1929 (2010) that prohibits launches using ballistic missiles technology. The 1737 Committee should now carry out its mandate in examining and taking appropriate action in response to this violation. 

No less important is the need to focus on continuing reports of conventional arms transfers by Iran to the countries in the Middle East in contravention to the Council-imposed arms embargo. The latest reports of Iran’s involvement in supplying weapons to Yemen should be taken seriously and examined by both the 1737 Committee and the 2140 Committee on Yemen.

Madam President,

Upon the IAEA-verified implementation by Iran of the nuclear related measures, previous Council resolutions on Iran will be terminated subject to re-imposition in the event of significant non-performance. Yet specific restrictions on transfer of proliferation sensitive goods, ballistic missile activities and conventional arms embargo, will come into force. This Council will be responsible for monitoring implementation of these restrictions and has to be fully prepared to implement this task. Lithuania calls for a swift agreement on practical arrangements needed for the Security Council to fully implement resolution 2231 and underscores the need to involve all Council members in this process.

To conclude, Madam President, let me reiterate Lithuania’s belief that, if implemented fully and in good faith, the JCPOA will become a fundamental element in building trust between Iran and the international community and will contribute to regional and international peace and stability.                       

Thank you.