Letter: British Embassy clarifies

Following the recent adoption by the UNSC (United Nations Security Council) of a further resolution regarding the Iranian nuclear program, I would like to set out the British government's position on this issue.

As UK Foreign Secretary William Hague has said, the new resolution is an important statement of international resolve to prevent Iranian nuclear proliferation. It intensifies peaceful and legitimate international pressure on Iran to change course and restore the trust in its intentions that is so badly lacking.

Nothing Iran has done in recent months has shown that it is ready to address international concern that its nuclear program is not for peaceful purposes. Instead it has continued to renege on commitments, continued to defy the UNSC and continued to refuse to discuss its nuclear program with the E3+3. My government and our partners remain ready to meet Iran at any time for meaningful negotiations on the nuclear issue. Our offer remains on the table and we will respond to positive steps by Iran.

The UNSC has sent a strong signal that Iran's continued failure to comply with its international obligations cannot be ignored. The fact that Russia, China, Europe and the US are all on board shows just how seriously the international community takes this.

We view the Resolution as a clear response to continuing Iranian non-cooperation with the international community over its nuclear program, which continues in contravention of previous UNSCRs and IAEA Board resolutions. It is a balanced and proportionate response commensurate to the level of cooperation by Iran with the UN and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

My government does not question or challenge Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy. But with that right come important responsibilities which Iran has continually failed to accept. We continue to make clear to Iran that the E3+3 remain willing to meet to pursue a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear issue.

As stated in the accompanying E3+3 foreign ministers statement, the intention is to bring Iran to the negotiating table, to discuss the issues of concern surrounding their nuclear program. If both sides are willing to approach the nuclear issue in a spirit of mutual respect and are looking for solutions going forward we are sure that we can make swift progress. That will be to the mutual benefit of all our people.

Martin Hatfull
British Ambassador to Indonesia
Jakarta