U.S. Mission to the United Nations: Remarks by Ambassador Rosemary DiCarlo at a Security Council Briefing on Iran and
Resolution 1737
Thank you, Madam President, and thank you, Ambassador Quinlan, for your briefing and for your able leadership of this
Committee.
Ambassador, your work on this issue has particular value at this time. Today I’d like to touch on three reasons why. The
first relates to the ongoing P5+1 talks. Second, to troubling signs of sanctions violations. And the third, to the
important roles of the Committee and the Panel of Experts – which is set to begin work on its next report, the details
of which will be essential.
On the nuclear talks with Iran, the Security Council has a clear stake in the outcome. The Council has imposed four
rounds of sanctions in response to Iran's failure to adhere to its nuclear obligations.
Any deal with Iran must address squarely the Security Council's multiple resolutions on this matter, a key principle of
the Joint Plan of Action.
It is critical that all Member States continue to fully implement sanctions on Iran. Full implementation of sanctions
will support the diplomacy, as well as limit Iran's illicit smuggling of arms, funds and technology.
In this regard, we find the recent indications of serious violations of the UN sanctions troubling. Earlier this month,
Israel announced that it had stopped a massive shipment of rockets, mortars and ammunition that Iran was smuggling to
Gaza militants. We call on the Committee, with the support of the Panel, to investigate all aspects of this incident.
The Committee should also be prepared to impose real consequences, such as possible sanctions designations, on those
responsible.
At the same time, reports that Iran sought to transfer arms to Iraq in violation of Security Council resolution 1737 are
alarming.
We note that the Iraqi authorities have committed publicly to respect fully all relevant Security Council resolutions –
which is welcome. In this connection, we encourage the Committee and the Panel, in cooperation with the Iraqi
authorities, to investigate these reports and confirm full compliance with resolution 1737.
This leads me to my last point, about the important role of the Committee and the Panel. As a rule, if and when
violations like this occur, the Security Council's Iran Sanctions Committee has a responsibility to tighten enforcement.
We look to the Committee to step up efforts to help states implement the sanctions – and to be poised to respond to all
reports of sanctions non-compliance.
In addition, it is essential that the Panel continue its aggressive travel schedule and continue to raise awareness
about sanctions. In this context, as the Panel begins work to draft its next annual report, we encourage the Panel to
present as much information as possible regarding sanctions compliance.
We commend the Panel for its independent reporting and urge it to continue its cooperation with Member States and the
Committee. The Committee needs to know the names of violators and their methods. We also encourage the Panel to ensure
that its report has specific, implementable recommendations that can tangibly improve sanctions implementation. The
Panel’s recent recommendations, which were specific in nature, enabled the Committee to engage in productive discussions
on how best to move forward.
Madam President, the United States looks forward to continuing our work with the Committee as we address the challenges
and issues raised here today. Monitoring implementation, quickly responding to violations, and cooperating with the
Panel are fundamental to the success of these sanctions and to supporting our negotiators as they seek a comprehensive
solution.
Thank you.
ENDS