16/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - Nuclear programme. On 16 December, the Foreign Affairs Council approved the agreement on a joint plan of action reached in Geneva on 24 November. In the Council's opinion “a swift implementation of the voluntary measures by all sides is now key”. Thus Iran “has to implement its commitments in good faith” and “the Council is committed to take the necessary steps and to suspend those EU sanctions as set out in the joint plan of action immediately after the IAEA has verified the implementation of the nuclear-related measures by Iran and on the basis of a recommendation by the high representative”. “This agreement is a long-awaited signal of the commitment of all sides to build trust and reduce tensions and to continue diplomatic efforts towards a comprehensive solution to the major concerns about Iran's nuclear activities”, the ministers state in their conclusions. (CG/transl.fl)