Cyprus joins 55 countries in reaffirming commitment to UN restrictions on Iran

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus is among 56 countries that signed a joint statement overnight on Saturday reaffirming their commitment to implementing United Nations restrictions on Iran.

Reinstatement of Security Council resolutions

The statement sets out the return into force of UN Security Council resolutions 1696 (2006), 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008), 1835 (2008) and 1929 (2010), following completion of the snapback process.

It says the process was completed “in response to Tehran’s persistent and significant non-performance of its nuclear commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)”.

Restrictions on nuclear-related items and arms

The signatories committed to continuing measures to prevent the supply, sale or transfer to Iran of items, materials, equipment, goods and technology that could contribute to proliferation-sensitive nuclear activities or the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems.

They also committed to upholding restrictions on the supply, sale or transfer of arms and related materiel to or from Iran.

Additionally, the countries affirmed that they would undertake “effective measures” to prevent the direct or indirect sale, supply and transfer to and from Iran of items that could contribute to weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery and related materials, or items subject to the reinstated UN arms restrictions.

Coordination and call for compliance

The countries welcomed efforts to implement the UN Security Council obligations and relevant activities supporting the objective of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. They urged all UN member states to implement the listed resolutions.

According to the statement, the 56 countries will continue to coordinate their efforts to counter Iranian attempts to resume development of its nuclear or ballistic missile programmes.

The signatories called on Iran “to return to compliance with its non-proliferation obligations”, cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency and address the international community’s proliferation concerns.