

MEDIA RELEASE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS ALEXANDER DOWNER FA147           27  November  2003









NUCLEAR AGENCY SETS WAY FORWARD FOR IRAN

I  welcome  the  International  Atomic  Energy  Agency  resolution  addressing  international   concerns about Iran’s nuclear program.

The  resolution,  passed  unanimously  by  the  35-member  Board,  provides  a  strong  basis  for   continued efforts by the IAEA to clarify outstanding questions about Iran’s nuclear activities.

The outcome shows that the international community is united in its support for the IAEA’s  efforts to work with Iran to resolve remaining concerns about its nuclear program.

Australia and other Board members are now calling on Iran to demonstrate its commitment to  nuclear non-proliferation through concrete action.

A report this month by the IAEA’s Director General detailed breaches by Iran of its nuclear  safeguards agreement with the IAEA.

I  recently  welcomed  positive  gestures  by  Iran  -  following  a  visit  to  Tehran  by  German,   French and British foreign ministers - as a step in the right direction.

Their message was consistent with the message I delivered to the Iranian leadership when I  visited Tehran in May this year.

Iran’s early implementation of its promises to suspend uranium enrichment-related activities  and  reprocessing  and  to  conclude  a  safeguards-strengthening  Additional  Protocol  with  the   IAEA would help restore international confidence in Iran’s nuclear activities.

Australia  values  its  bilateral  ties  with  Iran.   We  have  a  frank  and  ongoing  dialogue  on  this   issue with Iran, which understands the importance we attach to nuclear non-proliferation.





Media inquiries:   Chris Kenny (Ministerial)  0419 206 890                    Julie McDonald (Departmental) 02 6261 1555



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