Remarks by the President on the Meeting of the P5+1 Regarding Iran
Today, in Geneva, the United States –- along with our fellow permanent members of the UN Security Council -– namely, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom, as well as Germany -– held talks with the Islamic Republic of Iran. These meetings came after several months of intense diplomatic effort. Upon taking office, I made it clear that the United States was prepared to join our P5-plus-1 partners as a full participant in talks with Iran. I extended the offer of meaningful engagement to the Iranian government. I committed the United States to a comprehensive effort to strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, so that all nations have the right to peaceful nuclear power –- provided that they live up to their international obligations.
And we have engaged in intensive bilateral and multilateral diplomacy with our P5-plus-1 partners — and with nations around the world –- to reinforce this point, including an historic U.N. Security Council resolution that was passed unanimously last week.
The result is clear: The P5-plus-1 is united, and we have an international community that has reaffirmed its commitment to non-proliferation and disarmament. That’s why the Iranian government heard a clear and unified message from the international community in Geneva: Iran must demonstrate through concrete steps that it will live up to its responsibilities with regard to its nuclear program.
Read moreStatement by Robert Wood: P5+1 Meeting with Iran
On the margins of today’s P5+1 meeting with Iran in Geneva’s Villa Le Saugy, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Bill Burns met with Iranian Head of Delegation Said Jalili, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council on National Security. U/S Burns used this encounter to directly amplify the P5+1 position and to reiterate the international community’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. He addressed the need for Iran to take concrete and practical steps that are consistent with its international obligations and that will build international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its program. The U/S made clear that Iran has rights but with those rights come responsibilities, and that this is not about singling out Iran or holding it to a different standard. While the focus of the discussion was on Iran’s nuclear program, both sides had a frank exchange on other issues, including human rights. No other details are being provided given the confidential nature of this diplomatic exchange.”
Read moreItem 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert for Somalia, Mr. Shamsul Bari
The United States thanks the Independent Expert on human rights in Somalia, Mr. Shamsul Bari, for his detailed and informative report of September 17, 2009. We also welcome Madame Minister and her delegation from Somalia. Mr. Bari, your report cites the tremendous problems that face Somalia, including a dire security situation, an ongoing humanitarian crisis, and severe challenges to human rights, particularly to women and children.
Read moreEOP by the United States – Resolution on the Food Crisis
The United States is pleased to take the significant step of joining consensus on a resolution that discusses such an important topic. As Secretary Clinton has said, “Massive hunger poses a threat to the stability of governments, societies, and borders. People who are starving, who have no incomes, who can’t care for their families, are left with feelings of hopelessness and desperation.” The United States is dedicated to promoting food security around the world. That is why we are committed to the Millennium Development Goal of reducing by half the proportion of people who suffer from hunger and who live in extreme poverty by 2015.
Read moreItem 1: Decision Adoption – EOP by the United States of America
The United States joins consensus on this resolution as we recognize that the current economic and financial crisis presents unique challenges to all countries around the world. In his statement at the conclusion of the G20 meeting last week President Obama reiterated his call for a new era of engagement, “an era when nations live up to their responsibilities, and act on behalf of our shared security and prosperity.”
Read moreItem 1: Decision Adoption – EOV by the United States of America – Right to Development Resolution
The United States has a longstanding and strong commitment to support development. In fact, we are the world’s largest bilateral donor of overseas development assistance. Our Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, has repeatedly emphasized that the promotion of development and human security is one of the crucial pillars of our country’s foreign policy.
Read moreItem 1: Decision Adoption – EOP by the United States of America – Resolution: Transitional Justice
The United States is pleased to join consensus on this resolution. The United States strongly supports transitional justice initiatives and has long supported efforts to hold responsible the perpetrators of atrocities, such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious human rights abuses. We are among the largest donors and supporters of post-conflict justice initiatives in the world and will continue our leading role in this regard.
Read more