Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am pleased I had this opportunity to talk with members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations about the IAEA’s important role in monitoring and verifying nuclear-related measures under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
We also discussed the separate Road-map to resolve past issues which the Agency and Iran agreed on 14 July.
I received many questions.
I was asked about the separate arrangements to the Road-map. I explained that my legal obligation is to protect safeguards confidentiality and this is an essential element of the international safeguards regime.
I explained why the two agreements will significantly strengthen the Agency’s verification work in Iran.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action will enable the Agency to implement the Additional Protocol in Iran, giving us wider access to information and sites. It will also require Iran to take other transparency measures.
As a result, we will know much more about the nature of Iran’s nuclear activities.
The Road-map will help us clarify outstanding issues relating to possible military dimensions to Iran’s nuclear programme. It is robust and has strict timelines.
With these two agreements, we have a unique opportunity to resolve past issues and undertake a wide range of verification activities.
We face an important task. But I am confident that we have the expertise and experience to do the job.
Thank you.