Europa > European Union in the World > European Union @ United Nations > Iran: EUHR Solana's remarks on latest developments

Site map | A-Z Index | Internships/Jobs | Links | Contact us

English Español Français

 

 

Iran: EUHR Solana's remarks on latest developments

The following is the text of Mr Javier Solana's comments on the latest developments concerning Iran to the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee:

"For four months now I have been maintaining a dialogue with the Iranian authorities, in particular with Dr Ali Larijani, head of the Supreme Council for National Security of Iran, on the Iranian nuclear programme.

The process started in early June when I travelled to Tehran to submit a proposal made by the five permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany. No need to highlight the importance for the EU that China, Russia and the United States tasked me with that mission.

The aim of the dialogue is to clarify whether a negotiation between these six countries and Iran could start on the basis of the proposal submitted.

The problem with Iran is essentially a problem of confidence. For many years Iran, a signatory to the NPT, carried out nuclear activities with a total lack of transparency. This is a legitimate source of concern for the international community as recognised by the Iranian themselves.

The essence of the proposal, which was a generous offer, was:

Where are we now?

We have negotiated for endless hours. It has been my top priority because I'm convinced that this is a crucial subject for international security. My Iranian counterpart has also spared no effort, and I have to say that I have found in Dr Larijani an intelligent partner who deserves all my respect. We have reached common ground on quite a number of subjects. But we haven't agreed on what is a key point: suspension. So far, up to today, Iran has made no commitment to suspend.

The six countries have followed a two track approach: dialogue and referring the case to the UN Security Council. Dialogue could not last forever. It is up to them to decide whether the time has come to follow the second track. But the door to negotiations is always open.

Some final comments:

I'm convinced that the Iranian dossier can only be solved, and will be solved, through negotiations.

We have the right framework and the right broad basis for that.

Iran will develop a civilian nuclear program. As many other countries in the world. And Iran will do it better and more efficiently if it is done in cooperation with us. From a political and technological point of view both sides have a lot to win. They, and we, know that.

Solving the problems posed by the Iranian nuclear program will mark a breakthrough in non-proliferation.

Iran is an old, wise nation. A key partner in regional and world affairs. The nuclear issue is just one element, even if it is a key one, of a much broader relationship. We want to cooperate with Iran in other subjects, not least the Middle East, and we should do irrespective of the ups and downs in the nuclear issue."

| Top |

Advanced search

• EU Presidency Statement - Situation of human rights in Iran  (19/12/2006)
• EU Presidency General Statement - Situation of human rights in Iran (20/11/2006)
• Iran: Statement by Foreign Ministers of China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the UK, the USA and the High Representative of the EU (6/10/2006)
• EU Presidency Declaration on freedom of the press in Iran (5/10/2006)
• Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty - EU Parliament Hearing considers its future (20/9/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions on Iran (17/7/2006)
• President of the EU Council: Iran should return to the negotiating table (1/6/2006)
• EU Commission allocates €20m in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan (25/1/2006)