The participants in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) - France, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Russia, and Iran - reaffirmed their commitment to preserve the Iranian nuclear agreement at the ministerial videoconference on Monday 21 December, chaired by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell (see EUROPE 12624/36).
According to a statement issued by the European External Action Service, “they stressed that full and effective implementation of the agreement by all remains crucial and discussed the need to address current implementation challenges, including nuclear non-proliferation and the lifting of sanctions”.
The ministers also stressed the importance of continuing cooperation in good faith with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) - the only impartial and independent international organisation mandated by the UN Security Council to monitor and verify the implementation of nuclear non-proliferation commitments undertaken in the framework of the JCPOA.
The ministers agreed to continue the dialogue in order to ensure the full implementation of the JCPOA by all parties.
They “noted the prospect of a return of the United States to the JCPOA and stressed their readiness to address this issue in a positive manner as part of a joint effort”. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)