I thank USG Rosemary DiCarlo for presenting the nineteenth report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2231 and Ambassador Samuel Žbogar for presenting the Facilitator’s report. I also thank Ambassador Lambrinidis for his briefing.

In light of recent the escalations over the past two weeks, Guyana welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. We reiterate our call for dialogue and a return to the negotiating table, as the only way forward for a diplomatic solution. One that promotes regional and international peace and security.

Guyana also urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to unequivocally commit to safeguarding all nuclear installations, in accordance with their international obligations.

Colleagues,

We stand at a critical juncture with resolution 2231 being mere months away from expiration and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action still to achieve its core mandate. Guyana recalls that the JCPoA, endorsed by resolution 2231, was meant to ensure that Iran’s nuclear programme would be of an exclusively peaceful nature.

Guyana also recalls that resolution 2231 encouraged Member States to cooperate with Iran in the framework of the JCPoA, including through IAEA involvement. It also encourages cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy and engagement in mutually determined civil nuclear cooperation projects in accordance with Annex III of the JCPoA.

We acknowledge the nineteenth report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2231. We concur with his assessment that a diplomatic solution that ensures the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme and promotes economic and trade cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the international community, is the only viable pathway to peace and prosperity.

We took note of last month’s IAEA report on Iran’s implementation of its commitments under the JCPoA, submitted in accordance with paragraph 4 of resolution 2231. Notwithstanding the current circumstances, in fact because of it, we encourage continued cooperation between the IAEA and Iran, including in addressing outstanding safeguards issue and in assessing the safety and security risks of the nuclear facilities. We also support the vital efforts of the Secretary-General and the Joint Commission’s Procurement Channel in facilitating the implementation of resolution 2231 and the Plan.

Colleagues,

Guyana recalls that agreement on the JCPoA was reached through intensive multilateral negotiations. We must continue to work towards the full implementation of the Plan. Guyana believes that this is vital to ensuring regional and international peace and security and for building confidence and trust among the parties. We therefore urge all Participants to return to the Plan and to engage in dialogue and diplomacy as a matter of urgency.

Mutually assured destruction can never be a good policy. We urge stronger commitment toward the Non-Proliferation Treaty and encourage States that have not yet done so to accede to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. We underscore the need for decisive action by the international community in advancing the abolition of nuclear weapons.

In conclusion, I reiterate Guyana’s commitment to a world-free of nuclear weapons and one where there is greater investment in peace.

I thank you.