The Ministry for Foreign Affairs "warmly welcomes" the agreement announced following weeks of intense negotiations between the EU3+3 and the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding Iran’s nuclear activities, the Department of Information said.
France, Germany, the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the United States of America and the United Kingdom, led by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini, successfully negotiated with Iran a Comprehensive Framework Agreement in Vienna.
This follows the initial agreement reached on the 2nd April 2015 between the parties. Malta has consistently supported the EU3+3 negotiations with Iran since the beginning of this process. The Agreement is an important development on an issue affecting the Middle East region, and global stability. Malta is pleased that an agreement has been reached covering major issues including an Agreement to enable the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with the co-operation of Iran, to make an assessment of all pending issues. Malta welcomes such close cooperation between the IAEA and Iran, and considers it an important aspect of the Agreement. Malta looks forward to the IAEA Director-General’s report on its implementation due in December 2015.
Further steps will need to be taken by the international community on the Agreement reached, including endorsement of the Agreement by the UN Security Council. Relief from international sanctions that have been in place relating to Iran’s nuclear activities will also take place in line with Agreement between the Parties. The Agreement also includes mechanisms to reinstate sanctions in cases of non-compliance by Iran.
Reacting to the news, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, George W. Vella, warmly welcomed the Agreement. Minister Vella noted that this agreement will go a long way in reducing tensions in the Middle East region, particularly the Gulf, and is a major step in the right direction to resolve one of the long standing international issues. Minister Vella also welcomed Iran’s commitment to the Agreement, and its cooperation with the IAEA. Minister Vella augured that this highly successful outcome on the Vienna talks will be fully implemented, and reiterated that Malta is ready to play its part in support of this Agreement.
Malta joined the IAEA in 1997 and enjoys excellent relations with the Agency.