Minister Pettigrew Welcomes IAEA Resolution on Iran's Nuclear Program

News Release

August 11, 2005
No. 146
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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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Sébastien Théberge
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca

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2016-12-15

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Minister Pettigrew Welcomes IAEA Resolution on Iran's Nuclear Program

News Release

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