

MEDIA RELEASE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS ALEXANDER DOWNER FA133           22  October  2003





IRAN AGREES TO SUSPEND SENSITIVE NUCLEAR ACTIVITIES

I welcome reports that Iran has agreed to suspend its sensitive nuclear activities and to give  inspectors from the world’s watchdog agency greater access to its nuclear facilities.

In a declaration overnight, the Iranian Government and foreign ministers from Britain, France  and Germany proposed a new direction for Iran’s nuclear program following negotiations  yesterday in Tehran.

I was particularly pleased to note Iran’s declared willingness to conclude a safeguards-strengthening Additional Protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and  to suspend uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities.

I hope this encouraging development will now be matched by prompt action on Iran’s part to  fulfil its undertakings.

I would like to acknowledge the work done by my British, French and German colleagues —  Jack Straw, Dominique de Villepin and Joschka Fischer — and by the Iranian negotiators.

I would also stress that Iran must still comply fully with the terms of the September IAEA  Board resolution by the 31 October deadline.  Australia will be working closely with fellow  Board members to examine Iran’s compliance with that resolution and respond accordingly.

It is in Iran’s own interests to heed the clear message from the international community and  cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Australia will continue to urge Iran through international forums that compliance with non-proliferation commitments is vital and a basic requirement for productive international  relationships.



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





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