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Statement by Iran's FM before the CD-HLS - 28 Feb. 2023

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 (full version) Statement

by H. E. Mr. Hossein Amir Abdollahian

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Before

High Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament

Geneva, 28 February 2023

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

 

Madam President,  

I congratulate you for assuming the presidency of the Conference on Disarmament.

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran before the High Level Segment of this august body.

Madam President,

Today, taking concrete measures for global disarmament is a fundamental necessity. Without concrete steps toward the elimination of the Weapons of Mass Destruction, especially nuclear weapons, strengthening international and regional peace and security would not be realistic.  

Eight decades after the use of nuclear weapons, despite of all international efforts, the goal of nuclear disarmament remains elusive.

For that reason, it is regrettable that the international community’s call for nuclear disarmament and the compliance of the Nuclear Weapon States with their disarmament obligations has not been realized. Despite their unequivocal legal obligations, the Nuclear Weapon States, have continued the expansion of their nuclear weapons. Regrettably, Nuclear Weapon States, instead of honoring their disarmament obligations, they have developed and produced new generations and modernize their nuclear arsenals, that have undermined NPT and threatening international peace and security.

Madam President,

The main problem is that some Nuclear Weapon States believe that NPT is binding solely for Non-Nuclear Weapon States and not for themselves. Nonetheless the gravity of the dangers and threats posed by nuclear weapons, requires that nuclear disarmament, as one of the main pillars of NPT, should be the top priority of the international community and the most urgent task before the Conference on Disarmament.

Madam President,

Iran, as a victim of the WMD along with the peace-loving nations, firmly believes that the only absolute guarantee against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is their total and irreversible elimination and pending the realization of that goal, the Non-Nuclear Weapon States have the right to be assured against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons.

Madam President,

In the same vein, for the realization of the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons, a treaty on the prohibition of fissile materials would only be useful if it would cover previous stockpiles, apply non-discriminatorily to Nuclear Weapons States with an effective verification mechanism and will not prevent Non-Nuclear Weapon States from their peaceful nuclear activities.

Madam President,

The establishment of nuclear weapons-free zones is a fundamental step toward nuclear disarmament and peace and security. The initiative of a Middle East nuclear free zone, which was initiated by Iran, has been effectively blocked for many years by the Zionist regime. The Israeli regime with the support of the U.S. keeps accumulating all kinds of WMD without being a party to any international legally binding disarmament instruments and without being subject to any accountability, safeguards or verification mechanism.

Since its inception, this law-breaking regime has committed all international core crimes, including aggression against all its neighbors, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and occupation of the territories of several neighboring countries. This terrorist regime has assassinated several innocent nuclear scientists and has, time and again, threatened to attack safeguarded peaceful nuclear facilities of my country. If this regime commits such foolish aggression, it will pay a heavy and unbearable price.

 

Madam President,

The Islamic Republic of Iran calls for the start of negotiations on a binding treaty to ban an arms race in outer space. The outer-space should be the domain of peace and cooperation for the development and wellbeing of the humankind.

The Starlink, with the support of the U.S. has started its illegal operation within the territory of Iran. Iran reserves its right to take any necessary measures against any threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Madam President,

The Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear program is fully peaceful and will remain so forever. Iran is determined, as confirmed till now, to remain fully committed to its obligations under its comprehensive safeguards agreement. Iran warns against any possible unwise decision by the IAEA Board of Governors upcoming meeting in March. Iran reserves its right to give an appropriate response.

Just in recent past days, two IAEA technical teams visited Iran and we invited the director general of IAEA to visit Iran. We will be very close to a technical solution if the IAEA abandons its politicized approaches.  

Madam President,

The current status of the JCPOA is the product of the US policies and miscalculations. Our past experience taught us to become engaged in the new round of negotiations with more care and sensitivity. The few remaining issues could be addressed easily. Therefore, without any preconditions and through goodwill and determination of all parties and within the framework of the negotiations held until now, the final steps of the talks can be taken. The U.S. needs to have the will and strength to conclude the lengthy talks. We remain ready to continue until the conclusion of the agreement.

Distinguished Colleagues,

I would like to seize the opportunity to reiterate our position on the Ukraine Crisis. As a victim of war, threat and unilateral sanctions, our principle position is respect for the Charter of the U.N. and international law, including non-use of force or threat to force, territorial integrity and sovereign equality. Iran denounces war and unilateral sanctions and its absolute preference is peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

In particular, Iran condemns the Cold War era hegemonic mentality and unilateralism. Iran is conveying its deep regret for the continuation of the war and is reaffirming its neutral position.

The time for genuine diplomacy to be activated is now in order to end the conflict and all unilateral actions rather than advertising and fueling the war, as well as accusing of others baselessly.

Distinguished representatives,

Finally, I would like to reiterate that the UN, its disarmament machinery, multilateralism and diplomacy should have the central role in our common efforts.

The international community is in desperate need for a constructive dialogue in order to prevent further deterioration of the international disarmament architecture. Due to its unique role as the single multilateral negotiating forum on disarmament, the CD can significantly contribute to the international peace and security.

 

I thank you.