The board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopted by consensus of its 35 member states a resolution on proliferation in the nuclear domain in Iran. The resolution was presented by the ambassadors of France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

The initiative is in line with the process begun with Iran when Mr. Fischer, Straw and de Villepin visited the country on October 21, a visit that resulted in the joint statement from Teheran. The resolution is the product of broad consultations among the three Europeans, their partners in the Union, the United States, Russia, China and South Africa, and all the other members of the board of governors. It illustrates the merits of multilateral management in this type of crisis.

France is very satisfied with this resolution. The context is balanced, it passes a very firm judgment on Iran's past activities in the nuclear sphere and encourages it to continue and confirm its choice for a new policy of transparency and cooperation with the international community. As President Chirac said, the resolution goes in the direction of efforts by the international community to convince the Iranians effectively to take, and continue to take, all the indispensable measures for restoring confidence.

Teheran has recognized its failure to comply with its obligations in the nuclear domain over the past 15 years. It has suspended uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities and will shortly be signing an enhanced safeguards protocol with the IAEA. France intends to remain vigilant regarding the implementation of these measures.

A process has begun with Iran. It will be continued in the perspective of the next board of governors meeting in February. For our part, we plan, together with our partners, to maintain regular dialogue with Teheran.