Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the fact that Iran is developing a nuclear weapon capability; the nature of his concern; the action taken to date by this State as a member of the European Union and at the United Nations to address this issue; and his views on whether EU and United Nations action to date is adequate. [25043/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government and our EU partners share the widespread concern at Iran's refusal to comply with its international obligations in respect of its nuclear programme. Aspects of that programme, together with Iran's pursuit of long-range missile technology, have given rise to serious concern that it is seeking to develop a nuclear weapons capability. The Government shares the clear view of Iran's neighbours that this would pose serious dangers in an already volatile region. We have consistently expressed our strong views in opposition to the presence of any nuclear weapons, or other weapons of mass destruction, in the Middle East.

The EU is firmly committed to the search for a diplomatic solution, and is working in close cooperation with the United States, Russia and China. As part of the effort to persuade Iran to meet its obligations, the EU presented a substantial package of proposals for improved relations in June 2006. It is very regrettable that Iran has so far refused to accept this offer as a basis for negotiations, but the package remains on the table.

The UN Security Council has three times issued a clear demand that Iran suspend its uranium enrichment activities, most recently in Security Council Resolution 1747 of 24 March 2007. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that Iran continues to ignore the demands of the Security Council, and a range of UN sanctions have been imposed on the nuclear and military sectors. We have welcomed the Agreement reached in August between Iran and the IAEA to resolve all questions on Iran's past nuclear activities, but this can be no substitute for compliance with the international obligations clearly identified by the UN Security Council.

I have outlined the Government's position directly to the Iranian authorities, most recently during my meeting with Foreign Minister Mottaki in New York on 1 October. I emphasised the firm and united support of the EU behind the approach being articulated by High Representative Solana and the group of Member States referred to as the "EU3" — France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Together with the Foreign Ministers of Russia, China and the U.S., the EU3 have asked High Representative Solana to meet again with Iran's chief negotiator, to lay the foundation for future negotiations. They stated on 28 September that if these contacts and the efforts of the IAEA have not shown a positive outcome in November, they would proceed with a further Security Council Resolution, imposing wider sanctions.

At the General Affairs and External Relations Council which I attended in Luxembourg last week, it was agreed that the EU will consider what additional measures it might take in order to support the UN process and the shared objectives of the international community.