Pakistan has declared that it did not support the reimposition of sanctions against Iran and called for more time for diplomacy to succeed on the nuclear issue.
Delivering a statement at United Nations Security Council meeting in New York on Monday, Pakistan’s Acting Permanent Representative Ambassador Usman Jadoon maintained “Our position was grounded in the firm belief that all issues concerning Iran’s nuclear programme must be resolved through dialogue.”
He further remarked “Diplomacy and dialogue should be the guiding principles for the resolution of all outstanding issues concerning Iran’s nuclear programme in accordance with the rights, obligations and responsibilities of the parties concerned.”
Pakistan has, therefore, consistently advocated the primacy of diplomatic engagement and the imperative of avoiding confrontation and conflict, he added.
Following is the text of Ambassador Usman Jadoon’s statement at the Security Council briefing on Iran nuclear issue:
“Mr President, I thank USG Rosemary DiCarlo for the briefing.
The Security Council last met on this issue in September in the wake of unfortunate developments concerning the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) snapback mechanism.
Pakistan did not support the precipitate move to reimpose sanctions (against Iran) and cautioned against hasty action.
Our position was grounded in the firm belief that all issues concerning Iran’s nuclear programme must be resolved through dialogue; more time should be provided for diplomacy to succeed; avoiding confrontation; and preserving the framework of JCPOA till a successor arrangement is reached.
“It is deeply regrettable that in recent months, divisions in the Council and beyond, have widened – taking us further away from the resolution of the issue.
The situation had already become more complicated due to unilateral actions involving the use of force and violations of the UN Charter, and due to the differing interpretations on invocation of the snapback mechanism.
“Mr President, our position on this matter remains unchanged. We strongly believe that diplomacy and dialogue should be the guiding principles for the resolution of all outstanding issues concerning Iran’s nuclear programme in accordance with the rights, obligations and responsibilities of the parties concerned.
“We continue to believe that coercive measures would not help in bringing the parties closer and only exacerbate the trust deficit. Sanctions directly hurt ordinary people the most, impact trade, affect economic development, and diminish the prospects of regional connectivity.
“Pakistan has, therefore, consistently advocated the primacy of diplomatic engagement and the imperative of avoiding confrontation and conflict.
“Mr President, even though the JCPOA was not implemented as intended, but the fact remains that it provided an essential framework for the resolution of the issue – one that is based on international law and mutual respect and acceptance.
The essence and basic framework of the JCPOA could still prove useful if there’s a mutual desire to move forward in a spirit of compromise and accommodation.
“There is a need to revive the spirit of the JCPOA once more. The divisions on this issue could be overcome if we stick to the principle of bringing together all the parties in a spirit of conciliation towards a solution-oriented approach.
“Most importantly, the trust and confidence in the diplomatic engagement, that was damaged in the past few months must be meticulously restored.
The role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) remains critically important as the international institution responsible for verifying compliance with the respective nuclear safeguards obligations of Member States.
The Agency should fulfil this mandate in an objective, credible and impartial manner, consistent with its technical nature, without any other considerations.
“Constructive efforts should be undertaken including through the Security Council to bring the parties together for a compromise acceptable to all. There is no alternative to continued diplomacy and dialogue for peaceful resolution of disputes. I thank you.”
