Motion for a resolution - B7-0020/2012Motion for a resolution
B7-0020/2012

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Iran and its nuclear programme (2012/2512(RSP))

25.1.2012

to wind up the debate on the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
pursuant to Rule 110(2) of the Rules of Procedure

Charles Tannock on behalf of the ECR Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B7-0017/2012

Procedure : 2012/2512(RSP)
Document stages in plenary
Document selected :  
B7-0020/2012

B7‑0020/2012

European Parliament resolution on Iran and its nuclear programme (2012/2512(RSP))

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to its previous resolutions on Iran,

–   having regard to numerous statements on Iran and Iran’s nuclear programme by the High Representative,

–   having regard to Council conclusions on Iran, 3142th Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Brussels, 23 January, 2012,

–   having regard to the Resolution adopted by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on 8 November 2011 on the implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement and the relevant provisions of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions in the Islamic Republic of Iran,

–   having regard to Rule 110(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas Iran is a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), has, by ratifying the NPT, foresworn the acquisition of nuclear weapons and is legally bound to declare and all its nuclear activity, including nuclear material, and place it under IAEA safeguards;

B.  whereas Iran is engaged in activity that is in violation of its obligations not to pursue a nuclear weapon programme;

C. whereas UN Security Council resolutions of 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010 have condemned Iran’s nuclear programme and led to UN sanctions which the EU has fully imposed;

D. whereas the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report of 8 November 2011 highlights serious concerns regarding the possibility that there are military dimensions to Iran's nuclear programme and there are indications that Iran has carried out activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device, such as testing of explosives, experiments on detonating a nuclear weapon, and computer modelling on the behaviour of a nuclear device;

E.  whereas on 23 January 2012 the EU announced sanctions against Iran relating to a phased embargo on imports of crude oil to the EU and to financial sanctions taken against the Central Bank of Iran;

F.  whereas the United States has banned imports of Iranian oil since 1995 and, in November 2011, further strengthened its sanctions, prohibiting US companies from goods, services, technology, or providing any support services to the Iranian Petroleum sector;

G. whereas serious concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme have continued to inhibit the development of positive EU-Iran relations and; whereas the latest round of sanctions of 23 January 2012 further underlines this continuing concern;

H. whereas Iran has continually refused to enter negotiations over its nuclear programme and has taken provocative actions, such as its recent decision to commence 20% enrichment at its underground site at Qom;

I.   whereas EU sanctions were strengthened on 1 December 2011 wherein additional designations regarding persons and entities involved in Iran's nuclear or ballistic missile activities were made demonstrating a continues desire to bring Iran back to the negotiating table;

1.  Condemns Iran’s nuclear military ambitions and its government's refusal to engage with the rest of the world on this issue; highlights that such an approach may constitute a major threat to global stability and a potential risk to peace in the Middle East;

2.  Calls on the government of Iran to cease all activities pertaining to the development of a nuclear explosive device in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions and in accordance with its obligations under the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT);

3.  Urges the government of Iran to return to the negotiating table and to take measures to restore international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme; highlights that such measures will enforce Iran’s legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy under the Non Proliferation Treaty;

4.  Welcomes the latest round of EU sanctions of 23 January 2012 and urges, in this respect, other nations across the world to implement similar measures and to increase the impact of the measures the EU has adopted;

5.  Supports the efforts of the IAEA to monitor the development of Iran’s nuclear programme in order to provide the international community with an accurate overview of the situation; urges, in this respect, Iran to cooperate fully with the IAEA in order to help them carry out their work unhindered;

6.  Expresses serious concern that Iran’s continued efforts to develop a nuclear explosive device may lead to a regional arms race with neighbouring countries who may also wish to acquire such weapons;

7.  Supports the European Council’s twin-track approach and all efforts to find a negotiated long-term solution to the Iranian nuclear issue;

8.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the UN Secretary-General, the UN Human Rights Council and the Government and Parliament of the Islamic Republic of Iran.