President Rouhani Hails Closure of PMD as Victory for Iranian people

 

Tehran–President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that IAEA’s closure of the so-called possible military dimensions (PMD) of Iran’s nuclear program was a moral, political and legal victory for the Iranian nation.

Speaking to the Iranian nation in a live TV address, the President underlined that Iran’s nuclear program has never diverted from its peaceful path.

Rouhani’s remarks comes a day after the IAEA Board of Governors unanimously voted in favor of a resolution to close Iran’s file, putting an end to 13 years of dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program.

 

Iran has repeatedly stressed its religious commitment to non-proliferation, Rouhani said.

Settlement of nuclear issue came after Iran’s diplomatic engagement, the President said, adding that the grounds are almost paved for implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) reached between Iran and the six world powers on July 14.

Rouhani expressed hope that sanctions against Iran will be lifted as of next month.

The President also underlined that the Islamic Republic of Iran will adhere to all its commitments under the terms of the JCPOA.

PMD closure marks diplomatic victory for Iran, says Larijani

In Qom, Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani on Wednesday said closure of the nuclear PMD case marks Iran’s diplomatic victory and an end to all adventurist mischief against Iran.

Addressing a ceremony, Larijani said, ‘Last night, based on the report of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), that admitted Iran has no nuclear weapons, and also with the approval of the Board of Governors, Iran achieved a diplomatic victory.’

He said about 10 years ago, a group that were enemy of Iran sent a report to the Board of Governors against Iran, claiming that Iran had diverted into nuclear arms, arising all the hues and cry and sanctions against the country.

 

Noting that Iran has been subject to international mischief, Larijani said, ‘The report against Iran was shaky and baseless; they had reported that Iran had studies in 2003 on nuclear issues, this is while any country can have studies in various fields.’

Larijani added that decade-long sanctions and pressure against Iran on charges that the country had nuclear studies was not logical.

Iran held tough and breath-holding talks for two years, said Larijani, adding that the path Iran followed in the diplomatic domain was managed by the highest authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, who adopted a right decision in that connection.

‘The diplomatic path was a right path; this is while certain people inside the country supposed that the talks were wrong.’

He noted that the achievement of talks for removal of sanctions was mirrored in the UN Security Council resolution and whose implementation depends on practical action to be taken by Iran and the executive decisions of the past few weeks.

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors unanimously voted in favor of a resolution to close Iran’s file on December 15.

The file was known as the Possible Military Dimensions (PMD) file and the resolution open the way for Iran and six world powers (UNSC permanent members plus Germany) to honor their commitments in accordance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

6,000 centrifuges remain active; P5+1 took long stride, says Salehi

Meanwhile,  Head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali-Akbar Salehi said here on Wednesday after deactivation of Iranian centrifuges 6,000 will remain active, adding that the other side recently took a long stride in implementing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Speaking with reporters on the sidelines of a meeting on Wednesday, Salehi said in response to a question on the time for taking out the heart of Arak Heavy Water Reactor that the other side needs to take other steps in advance.

 

‘One of those moves was the closing of the possible military dimension (PMD) file, which was accomplished yesterday and was definitely a long stride by the other side,’ he said.

Salehi said that another memorandum of understanding (MOU) or agreement needs to be signed by Iran and other side, which he hoped will be signed on Monday.

IRNA

R.S