International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors' Resolution on Iran
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 18, 2011
We
welcome today’s resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency’s
(IAEA) Board of Governors to hold Iran accountable for its failure to
cooperate on its nuclear program. The world has sent a clear and unified
message to Tehran that it is deeply troubled by the evidence revealed
in last week’s report by Director General Amano. This report supplied
the clearest confirmation of what the United States has long believed –
that, despite its constant denials, Iran’s government has pursued
technologies and equipment that could only be applied to a nuclear
weapons program.
Iran has said that it seeks nuclear power solely
for peaceful purposes. However, the Director General’s report and
today’s action by the IAEA Board of Governors underscore that the
international community does not find Iran’s claims credible. The P5+1
countries have affirmed Iran’s right to a peaceful nuclear program but
make clear that with that right comes responsibilities –
responsibilities Iran has yet to fulfill. The P5+1 remains ready to
engage with Iran if Iran is genuinely prepared to engage in serious
negotiations, where Iran can choose to rebuild international confidence
in the nature of its nuclear program.
We commend the Director
General and his staff for their thorough, detailed and professional
report. In the coming weeks, we will work with our international
partners to increase the pressure on Iran’s government until it decides
to meet its international obligations.
