"Iran stresses that IAEA --an independent intergovernmental, science and
technology-based organization-- is the sole competent authority responsible for
the verification of the fulfillment of safeguards obligations,” Khoshroo said in
an address to the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Agenda
Item 89: Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency, held in New York on
Friday.
The full transcript of his speech is as follows:
I would like to begin by thanking the distinguished Director-General of the IAEA
for his report.
The Islamic Republic of Iran underscores the importance of full realization of
the inalienable right of any State to develop research, production and use of
nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. This includes the inherent right of each
State to participate in the fullest possible exchange of equipment, materials
and scientific and technological information for the peaceful uses of nuclear
energy.
As stated in Article II of the IAEA Statute, "The Agency shall seek to
accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and
prosperity throughout the world.” In this context, Iran emphasizes the
importance of statutory functions and primary responsibility of the Agency to
assist Member States in research on, and practical application of, nuclear
energy for peaceful purposes. Appreciating related activities of the Agency,
Iran stresses the need for further enhancement of such activities, particularly
to meet the expectations of developing countries. It should be ensured that the
Technical Cooperation Program of the Agency remains firm and sustainable through
sufficient, assured and predictable financial and human resources.
Iran stresses that IAEA — an independent intergovernmental, science and
technology-based organization — is the sole competent authority responsible for
the verification of the fulfillment of safeguards obligations. Related functions
of the Agency should be carried out in full conformity with the relevant
legally-binding instruments, and take into account the concerns and interests of
Member States, in particular, by strict observance of the principle of
confidentiality.
Taking into account the growing applications of nuclear energy and its role in
the socio-economic development of societies, Iran is determined to vigorously
continue to exercise its inalienable right to develop research, production and
use of nuclear energy, including development of a full national nuclear fuel
cycle, for peaceful purposes.
Iran's full compliance with all its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement
and fulfillment of its commitments under the JCPOA has been confirmed in
numerous reports of the IAEA, as the sole relevant competent international
authority. Thus, any claim that Iran is not complying with its JCPOA commitments
lacks relevance and credibility.
As a valid international instrument, JCPOA neither can be renegotiated nor
unilaterally annulled. Likewise, any unilateral claim to extend the duration of
Iran's voluntary confidence building measures runs counter to the JCPOA and,
more importantly, is in clear contradiction with the inalienable rights of
States under the NPT.
Iran has been and will remain fully committed to the JCPOA in as much as all
other JCPOA participants also fully and timely fulfill all their related
commitments. JCPOA participants are therefore urged to genuinely carry out all
their commitments and refrain from any action inconsistent with its provisions.
This indeed is in the interest of JCPOA participants and the international
community of States as a whole. Therefore, current supports for the full
implementation of the JCPOA by all its participants need to be continued.