Iran/ Firing of ballistic missiles/ Communiqué from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
Situation in Honduras
Germany
Iran/ Firing of ballistic missiles/ Communiqué from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
France expresses its grave concern following the Iranian announcement that it has fired ballistic missiles, including a “Shahab 3” type missile and a “Sejil” type missile.
These missile tests can only serve to increase the concerns of the countries in the region and the international community when, at the same time, Iran is developing a nuclear program and the existence of a clandestine enrichment facility has just been revealed.
Within this context, we urge Iran to choose the path of cooperation and not confrontation by immediately suspending these activities that are extremely destabilizing and by immediately responding to the demands of the international community, in order to come to a negotiated solution on the nuclear issue.
What is France’s reaction to the attitude of Iran, which is continuing to blow hot and cold, particularly with the launch of the long-range Shahab 3 missile a few days ahead of the 5+1 meeting in Geneva? Are you not worried that Iran will block the meeting?
The demands of the international community, expressed by the “E3+3” are clear. It is up to Iran to choose between cooperation and confrontation and to provide responses. From this point of view, the firing of these missiles clearly goes in the wrong direction.
Again, it is up to Iran to make the right choice. If it refuses to negotiate seriously, it will have to suffer the consequences.
What is the reaction to the test-firing of the Shahab 3 missiles, which are supposedly long-range missiles? Do you think that the Iranian tests, whether they involve short, medium or long-range missiles, are a provocation three days ahead of the meeting in Turkey?
Do you believe that Iran’s offer to allow the IAEA to visit the Qom facility is genuine?
In response to your first question: these tests constitute a provocation, even though we have multiplied the offers of dialogue to Iran. They are not helping to create conditions that are conducive to serious negotiations on the nuclear issue.
In response to your second question: it is not an offer but an obligation for Iran under the safeguards agreement with the IAEA, an agreement that it has violated by not declaring these plans in advance. It is up to the IAEA and not Iran to determine the conditions for carrying out its inspections. We expect Iran to change its behavior and to give a clear response to the concerns of the international community regarding its nuclear program.
Concerning the long-range missile tests and the statements that the new uranium enrichment facility does not break the law and that Iran’s response to threats will be destructive, Iran’s message is clearer than ever three days ahead of the meeting of the negotiators in Geneva. Are you optimistic about finding a solution through dialogue? If the October 1 meeting is not successful, is the end-of-the-year deadline still valid?
After this meeting we will evaluate, together with our “E3+3” partners, Iran’s willingness to negotiate seriously on their nuclear program and to provide clear responses to the demands of the international community. We will then consider the consequences together.
France is following the political situation in Honduras with deep concern.
It condemns the new serious infringement of constitutional guarantees decreed by the de facto authorities on September 26, particularly with regard to freedom of movement, assembly and information.
It condemns the de facto authorities’ expulsion of the advance mission sent by the Organization of American States which was meant to pave the way for a new mediation effort by the Secretary General of the OEA and reaffirms its full support for the actions carried out by this organization.
In follow-up to the UN Security Council meeting on September 26, France urges the de facto to respect the inviolability of the diplomatic offices and condemns the acts of intimidation against the Brazilian Embassy in Tegucigalpa.
The putschist government of Honduras has adopted a decree that imposes measures similar to a state of siege, jeopardizes the diplomatic status of the Brazilian Embassy and refuses entry to European diplomats, in this case Spanish diplomats. What is France’s reaction to these worrying developments?
I have just given a statement on the situation in Honduras. Please refer to it.
Germany will soon have a new Foreign Affairs Minister who should be from the Liberal Party. Are you expecting changes and different priorities from the new German Foreign Affairs Ministry?
Germany will continue to be a key partner regarding the major challenges that we face and there will be many opportunities to maintain our joint commitment in support of a more democratic and effective Europe, as well as a world that is more just, safe and better regulated. This cooperation was again validated at the G20 Summit in Pittsburgh.