Reactions to UN decision to impose sanctions on Iran – Canada

Iran Focus: London, Dec. 23 – The following is the text of a statement by Canadian Foreign Minister Peter MacKay issued following a unanimous vote by the United Nations Security Council to impose trade sanctions against Iran because of its refusal to stop its sensitive nuclear activities. Iran Focus

London, Dec. 23 – The following is the text of a statement by Canadian Foreign Minister Peter MacKay issued following a unanimous vote by the United Nations Security Council to impose trade sanctions against Iran because of its refusal to stop its sensitive nuclear activities:

December 23, 2006 (2:10 p.m. EST)
No. 164

CANADA FULLY SUPPORTS UN RESOLUTION ON SANCTIONS AGAINST IRAN

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today made the following statement regarding the resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that makes the suspension of Iran’s enrichment-related, reprocessing and heavy-water related activities legally binding under Article 41 of the UN Charter:

“Canada fully supports the Resolution adopted today by the UNSC. Iran’s non-compliance with its international obligations will not be tolerated.

“Canada will ensure that all measures contained in the Resolution are implemented through Canadian domestic law within the 60-day deadline and urges all UN member states to do likewise.

“Canada calls on Iran to comply fully with the measures elaborated in Resolution 1737 and to return to negotiations on a long-term comprehensive settlement that balances Iran’s rights and obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. It is only through full cooperation that Iran can raise confidence in the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.

“We remind Iran that the package of incentives offered to it in June by the European Union High Representative on behalf of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States remains on the table and would constitute an excellent basis for a peaceful negotiated settlement.”

The Resolution requires all UN member states, including Canada, to take measures to prevent the supply, sale or transfer of all items, materials, equipment, goods and technology that could contribute to Iran’s enrichment-related, reprocessing or heavy-water related activities.