- Implementation of UN resolutions and unrestricted inspections are preconditions for lifting sanctions
Recent remarks by Iranian supreme leader Khamenei once again revealed his intention to acquire the nuclear bomb and demonstrated that absent a firm approach on part of the international community and in particular the United States, this regime will do its outmost effort to use the negotiations to advance its nuclear projects.
In his remarks on 20 May Khamenei stated: “We shall not allow any military site to be inspected by foreigners. They say that they should come and interview our scientists — meaning to interrogate them. We shall not allow the slightest insult towards our nuclear scientists or our scientists in any sensitive area. I shall not allow foreigners to come here and sit down and talk with our scientists, with the prominent and beloved children of the Iranian nation who have brought this immense science this far… The shameless and arrogant adversary expects the path to be opened for them to come and speak with our scientists, our professors, our scholars… such permission shall never be given. The only way to confront the hideous enemy is through our unwavering determination and impassiveness…”
Khamenei’s enormous fear of inspection of the military sites and interviewing his nuclear scientists more than anything demonstrates his resolve to continue with deceptions and clandestine work in order to acquire the nuclear bomb. Otherwise, if his regime were not after the bomb or if it had ceased such attempts, there would be no reason for such huge concern.
Given the experience of the past three decades that has proven the Iranian regime untrustworthy, we emphasise that extending this regime’s breakaway time for another 6 to 9 months will solve no problem whatsoever. The sole solution lies in enforcing the UN Security Council resolutions, putting a definite end to regime’s uranium enrichment, and dissolving its nuclear sites. In addition, the Iranian regime should:
- Present to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) all warranted clarifications regarding the possible military dimensions (PMD) of its nuclear program;
- Disclose to the IAEA a list of all of its nuclear experts and its networks involved in smuggling nuclear equipment so that they could be interviewed and investigated;
- Sign the Additional Protocol to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and accept unnoticed inspections at any time and any site, military or civilian.
Until implementation of the above mentioned points, no sanctions against Iran should be lifted, otherwise all the income derived from lifting the sanctions will be spent on purchase of weapons and equipment for military nuclear projects.
Alejo Vidal-Quadras
President of International Committee In Search of Justice (ISJ)
Vice-President of European Parliament (1999-2014)