NEWS RELEASES

August 11, 2005 (5:20 p.m. EDT)
No. 146

MINISTER PETTIGREW WELCOMES IAEA RESOLUTION ON IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today welcomed the adoption of a resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concerning Iran’s nuclear program:

“The resolution is another strong expression of international concern about the scope and nature of Iran’s nuclear program and intentions. At this time, Iran’s rejection of a comprehensive offer by the E3 countries (the U.K., France and Germany) is preventing a long-term solution to the nuclear issue.

“Also of grave concern is Iran’s resumption of uranium conversion in defiance of past IAEA resolutions, and of its commitment to the E3 to suspend such activities while their negotiations were in progress. Iran has offered no credible explanation as to why it must resume uranium conversion at this time. These actions only accentuate fears that Iran is seeking to develop such capabilities for non-peaceful purposes.

“Iran’s right to develop fuel-cycle technology must be considered in the context of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations. Serious issues remain unresolved about undeclared Iranian nuclear activities dating back nearly two decades and about whether Iran has genuinely fulfilled all its non-proliferation obligations. Until these issues are resolved and a long-term solution is reached with the E3, Iran’s access to fuel-cycle technology should be limited.

“If these issues cannot be satisfactorily resolved at the IAEA, Canada believes the Agency must refer the matter to the United Nations Security Council.”

The resolution was adopted by consensus at a special meeting of the Agency’s Board of Governors, convened at the request of the U.K., France and Germany, to consider Iran’s resumption of uranium conversion activities.

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