US Ambassador to UN Expresses Concerns Over Iran Sanctions Violations and Regional Conflicts

US Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice expressed deep concerns over Iran's continued violations of UN sanctions, including the loading of and preparation for the spinning of centrifuges at the Qom facility, and the importance of continued toughened enforcement of the sanctions regime. She also discussed the ongoing situation in Syria, the ongoing efforts to establish a UN mission in Libya, and the escalating violence in Sudan and South Sudan.

Key Takeaways:

• The US Ambassador to the UN expressed strong condemnation of Iran's continued violations of UN sanctions, including the loading of and preparation for the spinning of centrifuges at the Qom facility.
• The US is committed to the dual-track policy of pressure and diplomacy regarding Iran's nuclear program, and will continue to strengthen national sanctions and work with the international community to track, expose, and confiscate weapons shipments that violate UN sanctions.
• The US is concerned about the deteriorating situation in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, and has expressed its condemnation and outrage at the escalation of violence, particularly the aerial bombardments against civilian targets.
• The US is committed to working with the international community to establish a lasting political solution in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan, and has urged the government to abide by a framework agreement negotiated with respect to Southern Kordofan.
• The US strongly condemns any excessive use of force by authorities, including the alleged beating of a UN human rights official in South Sudan.

Statistics:

• There have been numerous reported violations of UN sanctions by Iran over the past year, including arm shipments and ballistic missile launches.
• The US has strengthened its national sanctions against Iran over the past year, and will continue to do so.
• The UN sanctions regime has been effective in constraining the financial and technical means available to Iran to pursue its nuclear program.
• The UN has reported concerns over the escalating violence in Sudan and South Sudan, including the aerial bombardments against civilian targets.
• The US has expressed its grave concern to the Southern Sudanese authorities over the treatment of the UN human rights official allegedly beaten by South Sudanese police.

Sources:

• Remarks by Susan Rice, Ambassador, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, United States Mission to the United Nations (USMUN), State Department, at the Security Council Stakeout after a Security Council Briefing (As released by USMUN)
• United States Mission to the United Nations (USMUN)