Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 38: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support dialogue in relation to Iran. [26322/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Relationships with Iran continue to be dominated by grave concerns over its nuclear programme, reflected in successive UN Security Council and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) resolutions adopted since 2006 and notably in the IAEA's report of 24 February 2012 which highlighted possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear programme.

The international community has consistently urged the Iranian Government to respect and fulfil its international obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and to engage seriously and unconditionally in discussions aimed at confirming the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme.

Ireland has strongly supported this position. As a State Party to the NPT, Iran must fulfil its commitments and obligations under the Treaty. These include the obligation under Article II "not to manufacture or otherwise acquire nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices" and the obligation under Article III to conclude a safeguards agreement with the IAEA.

Ireland continues to support strongly the dual-track approach which EU High Representative Ashton is pursuing on behalf of the E3+3 (France, Germany, UK, US, Russia and China). This combines a willingness to negotiate with Iran a determination to apply sanctions if these are required in order to ensure that it responds seriously to the concerns of the international community.

Given the overall lack of progress in persuading Iran to respond to the international concerns (which have been deepened by the most recent IAEA reports), the EU and other international partners such as the US and Canada found it necessary earlier this year to impose further rounds of restrictive measures against Iran. In the case of the EU, these included an embargo on Iranian crude oil imports to the EU which is due to come into effect on 1 July. While imposition of these further measures has not been easy, not least in terms of the impact on global oil prices which affects us all, I nonetheless believe that these additional sanctions have been necessary and effective in persuading Iran to return to the negotiating table and to accept an invitation from High Representative Ashton to resume discussions with the E3 + 3.

Following an initial constructive round of discussions in Istanbul on 1 April, the E3+3 and Iran held a further round of talks in Baghdad on 17/18 May. While no agreement has yet been reached and substantial difficulties remain, HR Ashton has reported from the Baghdad talks that there is some common ground between the parties. The talks indicated an apparent readiness on Iran's part to proceed on the basis of reciprocity and to contemplate confidence-building measures (CBMs), including in relation to the crucial enrichment issue. However, more work needs to be done in elaborating any possible package of CBMs.

A further round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in Moscow on 18 June, at which time it is hoped that Iran will come forward with a specific and constructive response to the proposals outlined by the E3 + 3 at the Baghdad meeting. Such positive engagement on Iran's part will be necessary in order to prevent a further ratcheting-up of sanctions, already due to be tightened with the full entry into force on 1 July of the EU oil embargo.

The Government remains strongly of the view that the issues surrounding Iran's nuclear activities can only be adequately addressed and resolved through diplomacy and negotiations, and not by any other means. We will continue to advocate this position in all international fora, including at EU and UN level.