AUSTRALIA PLANS TO IMPLEMENT UNSCR 1737 SANCTIONS

UNCLAS CANBERRA 002044 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR ISN, IO, NEA AND EAP. E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MNUC KNNP IR AS SUBJECT: AUSTRALIA PLANS TO IMPLEMENT UNSCR 1737 SANCTIONS ON IRAN REF: STATE 202585 ¶1. (U) In a media statement released December 24, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer affirmed that Australia would proceed to implement sanctions on Iran's nuclear and missile programs, in accordance with the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 1737. He noted specifically the requirement to ban assistance and trade related to Iran's uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities, and ballistic missile program, as well as travel notification and asset freeze measures of individuals and entities providing proliferation-related support. Full text of the statement is at para 3, below. ¶2. (SBU) We also furnished reftel non-paper to Octavia Borthwick, Director of the Middle East Section, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, on December 28. Borthwick appreciated hearing U.S. views on UNSCR 1737, noting they closely paralleled Australian views. She referred us to FM Downer's earlier statement, and reiterated that Australia endorsed fully the UNSC action. She expressed confidence that Australia would be able to meet the 60-day reporting requirement (in OP 19 of the resolution) on its progress in implementing the terms of the resolution. ¶3. (U) Following is the text of Foreign Minister Downer's December 24 media statement on UNSCR 1737. Begin text: Australia to Implement UN Security Council Resolution on Iran The unanimous adoption by the UN Security Council on 23 December 2006 of a firm resolution imposing sanctions on Iran's nuclear and missile programs underscores the international community's commitment to addressing concerns about Iran's nuclear activities. The adoption of resolution 1737 follows Iran's failure to comply with Security Council Resolution 1696 which made mandatory the suspension of all Iran's uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities. Australia will now be proceeding to implement the terms of the resolution. These include a ban on the provision of assistance and the sale, transfer or procurement of certain military and dual-use items related to Iran's uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities, and ballistic missile program. Resolution 1737 also places measures in relation to travel and an assets freeze on persons or entities designated by the Security Council as providing support to proliferation sensitive nuclear activities and the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems. All UN member states are obliged to implement the sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council. At the same time, all sanctions contained in resolution 1737 are reversible should Iran suspend its uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities. Australia fully endorses the Security Council conviction that Iran's suspension of all uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities as well as full, verified compliance with the requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors will contribute to a diplomatic, negotiated solution. As I have said previously, this is not a case of questioning Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy. Australia supports the right of all parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that comply faithfully with their non-proliferation commitments to peaceful nuclear energy. The onus is now on Iran as a responsible member of the United Nations to abide by all Security Council decisions and cooperate fully with the IAEA to prove without doubt that its nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes. End text. OWENS