IAEA Board of Governors Meeting: 23 November 2017
Statement by HE Dr Brendon Hammer, Resident Representative of Australia to the IAEA
Agenda Item 4: (Iran)
Verification and Monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015)
Thank you Chair,
Australia attaches the utmost importance to the Agency’s activities in Iran under the JCPOA. We believe it is strongly in the interests of the international community – and of Iran – for this Agreement to be scrupulously implemented and upheld.
In this regard we thank the Director General for his report of 13 November 2017 contained in GOV/2017/48. And we also thank Deputy Director General Varjoranta for his comprehensive technical briefing on 15 November.
We very much appreciate the level of factual information provided by the IAEA through these mechanisms – and we appreciate the continued high levels of transparency.
Chair,
Australia welcomes the ongoing implementation of the JCPOA by all parties. It remains our firm view that the JCPOA is the best available mechanism to assure the international community of Iran’s commitment to an entirely peaceful nuclear program.
Australia particularly welcomes the Director General’s advice – provided in his most recent report that Iran is continuing to honour its commitments under the JCPOA.
Chair,
It is important that Iran strictly observes all nuclear-related obligations under the JCPOA. Sustained and full cooperation by Iran with the IAEA – including in ensuring facilitation of all access requests – will contribute greatly to enhanced confidence about the nature of Iran’s nuclear program.
In this regard, Australia welcomes the Director General’s advice that complementary access has been provided by Iran to the Agency, and that Iran continues to permit the Agency to use on-line enrichment monitors, electronic seals and other remote monitoring devices to facilitate verification and monitoring.
We also welcome advice that Iran has provided long-term visas and proper working space, as requested by the Agency to facilitate its work.
Continued provisional application of the Additional Protocol to Iran’s Safeguards Agreement – pending its entry into force – is also positive and welcome.
Chair,
My delegation welcomes advice that Iran’s LEU stockpile and its heavy water stockpile remain within the limits prescribed by the JCPOA.
We also note reference in the Director General’s report to Iran’s recent decision to design and construct a Light Water Critical Reactor – for research purposes – at the AEOI site. We encourage Iran to keep liaising closely with the Agency on this development.
Chair,
Australia welcomes the rigour and professionalism the Agency applies to its verification and monitoring under the JCPOA. And we commend the Agency on its regular and detailed technical assessments. These provide assurance of Iran’s compliance under the Agreement and are helping to build a foundation of trust.
Australia supports the public release of the Director General’s report GOV/2017/48.
Thank you.