Statement by Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Samuel Žbogar at the UNSC meeting on Non-proliferation

I wish to thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing.

Ten years ago, the JCPoA established a robust regime that comprehensively addressed a pressing international security challenge. Unfortunately, this mutually beneficial arrangement suffered serious setbacks throughout the years. Slovenia regretted the US withdrawal and Iran’s subsequent implementation of the so-called remedial measures. We have consistently called out Iran’s unacceptable disregard for its obligations under the JCPoA.

Slovenia remains concerned about the scope and transparency of Iran’s nuclear programme. In its latest report, the IAEA stated that since mid-October, it has had no information on the status of the low- and high- enriched uranium stockpiles, nor on whether nuclear material in Iran is being used exclusively for peaceful purposes. This situation undermines Iran’s obligations under the NPT. We call on Iran to fully implement its non-proliferation obligations and urge it to re-establish its cooperation with the IAEA, including by granting access to all nuclear sites and facilities.

Colleagues,

With the snapback reinstating sanctions on Iran this September, an era has come to a close. If we take a look at the ten years of JCPoA implementation, we must acknowledge that it did not deliver the desired results. Nevertheless, it provided ten years of enhanced transparency, ten years of UN sanctions relief, and ten years of multifaceted diplomatic and technical cooperation. In spite of all the hurdles the JCPoA faced, it delivered tangible results.

The Iran nuclear deal remains one of the most significant diplomatic achievements of the past decade. It was a major accomplishment for the participants and a powerful demonstration of true multilateralism at work.

Iran’s nuclear programme has, since its inception, carried significant implications for peace and security across the region. So would any new military interventions. In this regard, we urge all parties to show maximum restraint and recall that nuclear facilities should never be attacked.  

Iran, the wider region, and the international community need a long-term diplomatic solution, with clearly defined objectives, obligations and timelines. We therefore call on all sides to engage seriously and without preconditions in negotiating a solution that meaningfully restores JCPoA’s overall objectives.

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