18/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday the CFSP High Representative Javier Solana welcomed Iran's signing of the IAEA Additional protocol (International Atomic Energy Agency). He described this in a declaration as "an important step in building international confidence about the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme". Mr Solana underlined the crucial importance of "full continuous implementation of this protocol as well as compliance with IAEA Board of Governors' Resolution". He called on countries that had not yet signed the Additional Protocol to sign it as soon as possible. He was pleased to be able to discuss nuclear issues "and other important issues with Iranian authorities during my planned trip to Teheran in January".