Statement by Ambassador Trishala Persaud, Deputy Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at Security Council Briefing on Non-proliferation (Iran)

Thank you, Mr. President,

I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo, Ambassador Lambrinidis and Ambassador Frazier for their briefings. I also acknowledge the presence of the Representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Federal Republic of Germany.

Guyana takes note of the seventeenth report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2231 (2015). We are concerned that the implementation of resolution 2231 and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) remains “elusive”.

We also note the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA’s) recent report, that “the Agency’s JCPOA-related verification and monitoring have been seriously affected by the cessation of Iran’s implementation of its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA.” We have also noted that removal of the IAEA’s equipment from Iran has negatively impacted its ability to provide assurances of the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.

Mr. President,

Given the current precarious situation in the Middle East, it is imperative to redouble efforts towards peace and security in the region. The conclusion of the JCPOA and the unanimous adoption of resolution 2231 in 2015 provided an important pathway for guaranteeing the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme and for facilitating the development of normal economic cooperation with the country. Guyana believes that full implementation of the Plan and resolution are critical for promoting peace and security in the region. Implementation is also important for confidence building.  

Guyana urges all concerned parties to return to the Plan. We also call on Iran to re-commit to its nuclear-related commitments under the Plan. These are both crucial in promoting confidence building.

Mr. President,

Guyana also highlights the important roles of the Security Council, the Secretary-General, the IAEA and the Joint Commission’s Procurement Channel in facilitating the implementation of the resolution and Plan. We express our support for their continued efforts. We are of the view that the success of the Plan is still possible before the termination of resolution 2231 in October 2025.

In conclusion, Guyana calls on all concerned parties to engage in dialogue and diplomacy in pursuit of the full and effective implementation of resolution 2231 and the JCPoA. We also reiterate our commitment to advancing the disarmament and non-proliferation regime as we continue to strongly advocate for the total elimination of nuclear weapons. 

I thank you!