IAEA Board of Governors Meeting
Statement by HE Mr Richard Sadleir, Resident Representative of Australia to the IAEA
Agenda Item 6(e): NPT Safeguards Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran
17 June 2020
Thank you Chair,
Strict adherence to IAEA safeguards obligations is an absolutely critical element of the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture.
Iran’s continued failure to cooperate with the Agency, in accordance with its obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and the Additional Protocol, is deeply concerning.
It is unacceptable that for over four months, Iran has denied access to two locations and, for almost a year, has not engaged in substantive discussions to clarify Agency questions related to possible undeclared nuclear material and nuclear related activities in Iran.
We are deeply concerned that in respect of one location, from July 2019 onwards the Agency observed activities consistent with efforts to sanitize part of the location.
We call on Iran immediately to cooperate fully with the Agency, including by providing prompt access to the locations specified by the Agency, and comply with its safeguards obligations.
Chair
For all the reasons just articulated, Australia strongly supports the draft resolution submitted by France, Germany and the UK, and encourages other Board Members to do likewise.
We request that both the Director General’s report, and the resolution, if adopted, be made public.
Finally I would like to underline Australia’s strong support for the professional and impartial efforts of the Director General and the Secretariat, to implement the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and Additional Protocol in Iran.
Australia welcomes the Director General’s commitment to keep the Board appraised of developments.
Thank you