Below is the text of a statement issued to the United Nations by the Permanent Representative of Pakistan, Ambassador Asim Iftihar Ahmad after a vote on Solution 2231 (2015)/Resolution on JCPOA (S/2025/561).
president,
Pakistan voted in favor of the resolution. Our position on this issue is guided by:
First, the firm belief that all issues regarding Iran’s nuclear program must be resolved by peaceful means through dialogue and cooperation.
Second, the need for diplomacy to provide more time for success.
Third, the obligation to avoid conflicts that could further complicate the situation. and
Fourth, maintaining the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and Solution 2231 holds Resolution 2231 to reach a friendly solution without resorting to compulsory measures until it reaches a successor arrangement or “New Deal.”
2. The JCPOA is an example of Sterling’s practical and collaborative approach, charting a negotiation roadmap to comprehensively address the concerns of all parties by clearly defining relevant obligations and responsibilities.
3. Unfortunately, the agreement was confused and left many complications afterwards, affecting the full and faithful implementation of the JCPOA by various parties, leading to mutual condemnation.
president,
4. The agreement on “Practical Modalities for the Iranian implementation of safeguards in Iran” signed on September 9th between the Iranian Foreign Minister of Cairo, Egypt and the IAEA Director-General was a positive development aimed at rebooting the agency’s verification activities and inspections. The DG IAEA called it “an important step in the right direction.” It should be built on this breakthrough to restore mutual trust and promote trust between related parties that have been severely eroded by recent developments.
5. Calling back to snapback and re-issues of UN sanctions can further complicate the situation, the location of hardening and take us away from the purpose of a friendly solution to the problem. The current situation demanded more involvement rather than being rushed to reimpose sanctions.
6. Therefore, the Pakistani President supported the technical expansion of Resolution 2231 for six months to create space for political engagement and negotiation through a realistic and constructive approach by all parties.
7. We regret being put in a situation that stands up to us today to vote on a clearly divisive issue when other paths are available to avoid it. If other pathways were used to address harmony and sincerely concerns, the Council could proceed with consensus, similar to the adoption of Resolution 2231 a decade ago.
president,
8. As Iran’s immediate neighbours and friends, we do not support actions that risk destabilizing an area already in multiple crises. The area cannot afford to relieve any further tensions.
9. We believe that even at this stage we should give diplomacy a chance. There is an urgent need to continue updating diplomatic engagement in order to seriously and faithfully address prominent issues in a collaborative manner in accordance with the rights, duties and responsibilities of the parties involved. We prioritize this approach and never give up on a peaceful, negotiated settlement. Diplomacy and blackmail don’t go together.
10. Diplomacy has previously been provided with the necessary agakity and pragmatism, and certainly could be offered again. I hope that the path to solving the underlying problem will not be narrowed down. In our view, as long as there is a political will to take it, it remains available.
thank you.
MNA/