Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign and European Spokesperson (Paris, September 10, 2009)

International Conference on Afghanistan (September 9)
Iran/ Nuclear

International Conference on Afghanistan (September 9)

Let me remind you of the statement I made yesterday on Afghanistan:

The President of the Republic, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany have just written a letter to the UN Secretary-General detailing their proposal announced on September 6 to hold a new international conference on Afghanistan once the electoral process is complete and the future Afghan government has been established.

As a new phase in the history of Afghanistan begins in the wake of the presidential and provincial elections on August 20, this conference will make it possible to adapt the terms of the relationship between Afghanistan and the international community to this new stage. This was the message conveyed by the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs at the meeting of the Special Representatives on September 2 in Paris.

This relationship should evolve in order to deal with the challenges facing Afghanistan in the best way possible.

We have already achieved a great deal. We should now consolidate and expand these achievements. Many problems still remain and these require swift implementation of priority measures, particularly in the following areas: aid coordination and effectiveness, the strengthening of Afghan capacities, improved governance, particularly local governance, and support for the gradual political and economic reintegration of soldiers into Afghan society.

It is up to the Afghans to define and implement these priority reforms themselves. By identifying the respective expectations of the international community and the new Afghan authorities, the goal of this conference will be to establish the conditions for increased, competent Afghan ownership of responsibilities in the areas of security and reconstruction.

This conference will also make it possible to reaffirm the international community’s long-term support for the Afghan people and authorities, aimed at allowing them to take control of their country’s destiny.

Iran/ Nuclear

Iran’s “new” proposals do not contain anything new regarding the sensitive nuclear activities that the international community is asking Tehran to suspend. What is your reaction to the release of this document which appears to be a gesture of good will aimed at influencing international public opinion but which does nothing to resolve the basic problem?

Moscow announced today that “Iran’s proposals must be examined carefully.” Are you sure that the “E3+3” (5+1) will remain as 6 over the coming days or is there a chance that Russia or China may change their position regarding Iran’s nuclear program?

We are examining the Iranian document and we are consulting with our partners.

What is your position regarding the arrangement between Iran and Venezuela, according to which Iran is helping Venezuela to equip itself with civilian nuclear energy?

We are not contesting Venezuela’s right to use nuclear energy in a peaceful manner.

Any transfer of nuclear-based technology from Iran, including to Venezuela, would however constitute a violation of UN Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 1737.

Concerning Iran, the stockpiling of low-enriched uranium without a credible civilian objective is of grave concern. Iran’s nuclear program is prompting concern from the entire international community and has already resulted in the adoption of five Security Council resolutions.

Have you intervened or do you intend to intervene in order to urge Russia not to deliver the S300 and S500 anti-aircraft missiles, bought by Tehran, to Iran, an issue which appeared to be the reason for a quick visit to Moscow by the Israeli Prime Minister at the beginning of the week?

UN Security Council resolutions 1737 and 1747 call on all States to exercise vigilance and restraint concerning the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of weapons to Iran. Concerning the European Union, there is, as you know, an embargo.

The export of such systems to Iran would be very destabilizing.

We are holding regular discussions with the Russian authorities to inform them of our analyses and our concerns.