World Jewish News

EU: nuclear deal with Iran 'is crucial for the security of the region'

Days after US President Donald Trump refused to recertify the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran signed, the European Union said on Monday that the deral, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) ‘’is a key element of the nuclear non-proliferation global architecture and crucial for the security of the region.’’

‘’Its successful implementation continues to ensure that Iran's nuclear programme remains exclusively peaceful. The European Union underlines that the International Atomic Energy Agency has verified 8 times that Iran is implementing all its nuclear related commitments following a comprehensive and strict monitoring system,’’ the EU said in a statement after a meeting of the 28 EU Foreign Ministers in Luxembourg.

The European Union said it ‘’is committed to the continued full and effective implementation of all parts of the JCPOA.’’

‘’The European Union underlines that the lifting of nuclear related sanctions has a positive impact on trade and economic relations with Iran including benefits for the Iranian people. It strengthens cooperation and allows for continuous dialogue with Iran.’’

In their statement, read to reporters by EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, the EU Foreign Ministers consider President Trump's decision not to certify Iran's compliance with the Joint Comprehensive plan of action ‘’as being in the context of an internal US process.’’

‘’The European Union encourages the United States to maintain its commitment to the JCPOA and to consider the implications for the security of the United States, its partners and the region before taking further steps,’’ they said.

The ministers underlined their hope that the U.S. Congress, which has around two months to decide what action to take, will come to the rescue and safeguard the agreement signed on July 14, 2015 by the P5+1 (China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), the European Union (EU), and Iran. The agreement is part of a U.N. Resolution and has been backed by the U.N. Security Council.

Mogherini plans to travel to Washington in November to discuss the issue.

‘’The agreement concerns the safety of the world. I hope also that the U.S. Congress will realize this and take the right decisions,” said Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders.

While expressing its concerns related to Iran’s ballistic missiles and increasing tensions in the region, the EU said these issues need to be addressed outside the nuclear deal. ’It is clear for us that the situation in the region could not be addressed in a better way, but on the contrary in a worsened manner if the JCPOA was not in place,’’ Mogherini said.

‘’The European Union stands ready to actively promote and support initiatives to ensure a more stable, peaceful and secure regional environment,’’ the ministers said.

EJP