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Madam President, At the outset, let me thank Ambassador Gary Quinlan for his 90-day briefing on the work of the 1737 Security Council Committee. I would also like to commend the Panel of Experts for their meticulous work. Lithuania has long called for a comprehensive, negotiated and long-term solution, which would strengthen international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme, in full compliance with its international obligations and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Lithuania notes the progress achieved so far in the implementation of the 24 November 2013 Joint Plan of Action by the E3+3 and Iran. We reiterate our call on Iran to demonstrate transparency, determination and political will and to engage constructively with the E3+3 in resolving all outstanding issues, including those related to the possible undisclosed military dimension to Iran’s nuclear programme.

We are closely following the continuing dialogue and cooperation of Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency under the Framework for Cooperation. The provision of all pertinent information by the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as unimpeded access to various facilities are key to transparency and to enabling the Agency to have a clear understanding of Iran’s nuclear programme.

Madam President,

Pending the comprehensive agreement, however, all Security Council sanctions imposed on Iran remain in effect. The Islamic Republic of Iran, UN Member States, as well as their nationals and entities, are obliged to fully implement relevant Security Council measures. The work of both the Committee and the Panel of Experts in verifying compliance should remain unaffected. We reiterate our appreciation of the Final report of the Panel and underline the importance to implement its recommendations without further delay.

We are very concerned about the pattern of conventional arms embargo violations with persistent reports of arms transfers from Iran to Syria and elsewhere. The latest case involved the attempted transfer from Iran of containers with concealed rockets, mortars and related material on the vessel Klos C. It was another clear violation of Iran’s obligations pursuant to relevant Security Council resolutions. Appropriate and timely response by the Committee in addressing this violation is critical.

Finally, let me reaffirm Lithuania’s support to intensive diplomatic efforts by E3+3 and Iran, under leadership of HR Catherine Ashton, to achieve a comprehensive and final solution to the Iran’ nuclear issue and build a strong basis of mutual trust. We reiterate our hope that Iran’s engagement in E3+3 talks would translate into cooperation with the 1737 Committee.

Thank you, Madam President.