Madam Chair,
China has taken note of the report of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (hereinafter referred to as "the Agency") on Verification and Monitoringin Iran in light of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (GOV/2021/28). The report confirms that Iran continues to accept the Agency's monitoring and verification on the implementation of JCPOA and provides relevant information concerning the "temporary technical understanding" reached between Iran and the Agency. China appreciates the Agency's efforts, supports the Agency's continued adherence to the principles of objectivity, neutrality and impartiality as well as its monitoring and verification of Iran in strict accordance with its mandate.
At present, important progress has been made in the negotiations on the resumption of compliance with JCPOA, but there are still variables before an agreement can be reached. China hopes that all parties will take into consideration the long-term and overall situation, enhance their sense of urgency, make a political decision, resolve the remaining issues in a flexible and pragmatic manner, reach a final plan for the resumption of the implementation of JCPOA by the United States and Iran at an early date and promote the return of JCPOA to its right track.
China believes that in order to bring about a breakthrough in the negotiations, it is crucial to uphold a correct sense of right and wrong. The United States' unilateral withdrawal from JCPOA and its "maximum pressure" on Iran are the root causes of the Iranian nuclear crisis. The US should first lift all illegal sanctions against Iran, including its long-arm jurisdiction over third parties, and on this basis, the Iranian side resume full compliance of JCPOA as soon as possible. At the same time, we hope that all parties can create a favourable atmosphere for the negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issues.
China has always participated in the negotiations in a constructive manner and has played an important role in promoting consensus and resolving differences among the parties. China will continue to make efforts to promote an early agreement, safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and maintain peace and stability in the Middle East. At the same time, we will also firmly safeguard our own legitimate rights and interests.
Thank you, Madam Chair.