September 2012


Turkish Statement to be delivered at the IAEA Board of Governors on the
implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement and relevant provisions of Security Council resolutions in the Islamic Republic of Iran


Thank you Mr. Chairperson,

We thank Director General Amano for his report on the implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement and the relevant provisions of the UN Security Council resolutions in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

As reported by the Director General, the Agency continues to verify the non-diversion of the declared nuclear material in Iran. However, it is also reported that the Agency is unable to provide credible assurance about the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in the country.

The report reiterates concerns in relation to the outstanding issues that are subject to continued discussions between Iran and the Agency. We understand that important differences remain and no agreement could be reached, in the reporting period, on a structured approach to resolving all outstanding issues. We encourage further consultations in this regard.

Mr Chairperson,

Turkey remains fully committed to a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, through peaceful means and dialogue. We encourage and firmly support negotiations as the only avenue to a lasting solution. We consider it important that the outstanding issues relating to Iran’s nuclear program be addressed in a constructive and transparent way and be brought to a positive conclusion, restoring confidence in its exclusively peaceful nature without further delay.

It is with this understanding that we have hosted several meetings between Iran and the P5+1 in Istanbul. We have positively noted that, the parties were able to focus on nuclear issues and had an exchange on substance during the process. These contacts have apparently helped further clarify their respective positions.

It will naturally take some time before all concerns of both parties are satisfactorily addressed. But, it is now time to move ahead with some practical steps forward. We encourage the parties to maintain an open minded and forward looking approach and concentrate on future prospects, discussing nuclear issues as a topic of cooperation rather than confrontation.

As always, we stand ready to contribute to all constructive efforts that would ease the way for dialogue and cooperation.

Thank you Mr Chairperson.