Sun Lei, Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, stated on the 9th when Russia called for a procedural vote ahead of the Security Council's open meeting on the Iranian nuclear issue. He pointed out that the Security Council has never reached a consensus on whether the E3 (the United Kingdom, France and Germany) is eligible to activate the snapback sanctions mechanism. Security Council Resolution 2231 expired and terminated on October 18 last year, and the Security Council has concluded its deliberations on the Iranian nuclear issue.
Sun Lei noted that certain countries deliberately ignored the differences and concerns among Council members, forcibly pushed for the resumption of UN sanctions against Iran and insisted on holding meetings on a terminated agenda. They bear full responsibility for the difficult situation facing the Security Council. Under the current circumstances, the Security Council should play a constructive role, instead of relentlessly pushing for sanctions and exerting pressure on Iran. Still less should it be used as a tool for individual countries to advance their own political agendas. China calls on all Security Council members to earnestly implement relevant arrangements for the termination date set out in Resolution 2231, uphold the authority of the Security Council and the credibility of multilateral diplomacy, and foster favorable conditions for the political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.
At the start of the meeting, the Russian representative spoke against holding the open meeting and requested a procedural vote. The Security Council subsequently voted to proceed with the meeting by 11 votes in favor, 2 against and 2 abstentions. China and Russia cast the negative votes.
In his subsequent remarks, Sun Lei expressed China's disappointment over the voting result. Facts over the years have proven that a proper settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue bears on the authority and effectiveness of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, the long-term stability of the Middle East, as well as global peace and security. At present, the United States and Iran have moved toward a de-escalation and explored a negotiated solution to relevant issues, yet the situation remains sensitive, complex and fragile with prominent instability and uncertainties. Against this backdrop, the Security Council must stand on the side of peace and on the right side of history when handling relevant matters. China holds that priority should be given to addressing the following issues: first, fully accommodate Iran's aspiration for the peaceful use of nuclear energy; second, handle relations between relevant parties on the basis of equality and mutual respect; third, balance the legitimate security concerns of all sides. All relevant parties should stay calm and restrained, abide by obligations under international law and the purposes of the UN Charter, lift unilateral sanctions, accommodate the legitimate security concerns of each other and regional countries, advance negotiations in a gradual manner, and work to build a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture in the Middle East.
Sun Lei stressed that all Security Council members should keep in mind the overarching goal of a political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, effectively buy time and space for diplomatic efforts, and create a positive atmosphere for diplomatic negotiations.
