Switzerland welcomes the common declaration on Iran's nuclear programme pronounced in Lausanne
Bern, 02.04.2015 - Switzerland welcomes the joint declaration between the E3/EU+3 and Iran agreed in Lausanne on the Iranian nuclear programme. "The joint declaration constitutes an important step towards greater security in the world – one of Switzerland's foreign policy priorities," said Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter.
"Any action that helps reduce tensions in the world should be welcomed. The joint declaration reached at the meeting of ministers in Lausanne is an important step in that direction and its implementation could have historic significance. It is a positive sign for this region of the world and for the promotion of peace," said Mr Burkhalter, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). He added “these negotiations in Switzerland prove that, even in a time of tensions, it is possible to find solutions and build bridges between positions which were divergent in the beginning”.
The declaration was presented in Lausanne by the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammad Javad Zarif, and the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, in the presence of the foreign ministers of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and the deputy foreign ministers of China and Russia. It underlines that diplomacy is the only route able to provide a long-term solution.
Important work remains, however. Switzerland will continue to support diplomatic efforts and remains available to provide its good offices for future stages in the process leading to a global agreement, and to support its implementation.
This declaration is the result of a lengthy negotiation process. On 24 November 2013 the parties agreed in Geneva on a joint plan of action that guided the negotiations. The declaration is an important step in the process leading to the elimination of differences over Iran's nuclear programme. It contributes to more peace, security and stability in the Middle East. It demonstrates that the solution to deep and complex divergences at the international level can only be found via diplomatic means. This has always been the position taken by Switzerland, which now calls upon the parties to implement the common intention declared in Lausanne.
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