Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay today issued the following statement regarding the announcement by the United States on the Iran nuclear issue:

"Canada welcomes today's statement by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza

Rice outlining their position on Iran's nuclear program. We support the U.S. decision to become a full party to the discussions between the European trio (the United Kingdom, France and Germany) and Iran, which seek a diplomatic solution to the serious international concerns about Iran's nuclear program, if Iran first agrees to resuspend all uranium enrichment activities and the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, in a full

and verifiable manner.

"This important step by the United States underscores its commitment to a viable and lasting diplomatic solution to the issue. U.S. direct participation in the discussions with Iran will also provide a significant and timely impetus to the efforts to resolve the nuclear issue to the satisfaction of all parties involved. This is a matter of great concern to the world community.

"We call upon Iran to respond positively to this significant development and to the ongoing efforts of the European trio for a diplomatic solution, which Canada fully supports.

"Iran must now decide if it wishes to avail itself of the significant incentives the European trio and the United States are prepared to offer as part of a diplomatic settlement. Canada will continue to work in close consultation with the United States, the European trio and our other G8 partners, together with China and other concerned countries, in support of a diplomatic solution."