Chair's Statement following the meeting of the Joint Commission of JCPOA

Chair's Statement following the meeting of the Joint Commission of
JCPOA
1 September, 2020
1. A meeting of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive
Plan of Action (JCPOA) took place in Vienna on 1st September, 2020.
Under the terms of the JCPOA, the Joint Commission is responsible for
overseeing the implementation of the agreement. The Joint Commission
was chaired, on behalf of EU High Representative Josep Borrell, by
EEAS Secretary General Helga-Maria Schmid and was attended by
representatives of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom
and Iran at the level of Political Directors/Deputy Foreign Ministers.
2. All participants reaffirmed the importance of preserving the
agreement recalling that it is a key element of the global nuclear non-
proliferation architecture, as endorsed by UN Security Council
Resolution 2231 (2015). Full implementation of the agreement by all
sides remains crucial.
3. In light of recent discussions in the United Nations Security
Council in New York concerning the issue of the attempted
reinstatement of previously lifted UN sanctions, the participants
reaffirmed that the United States unilaterally announced its cessation of
participation in the JCPOA on 8 May 2018 and that it had not
participated in any JCPOA-related activities subsequently. Participants
reconfirmed that it therefore could not be considered as a participant
State. In this regard, participants also reaffirmed their various statements
and communications made previously at the Security Council including
that of the High Representative of 20 August as Co-ordinator of the
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JCPOA to the effect that the US cannot initiate the process of reinstating
UN sanctions under UNSC resolution 2231.
4. Participants welcomed the Joint Statement of Iran and the IAEA
dated 26 August the implementation of which has already started. In this
context they recalled the important role of the IAEA as the sole impartial
and independent international organisation responsible for the
monitoring and verification of nuclear non-proliferation commitments.
5. The Joint Commission addressed nuclear as well as sanctions lifting
issues under the agreement. Experts will continue discussions on all
issues of concern.
6. Participants reiterated the importance of nuclear non-proliferation
projects, in particular the Arak Modernisation Project and the stable
isotope project in Fordow. Taking into account the potential
consequences of the US decision in May to end the Arak waiver,
participants reiterated their strong support and collective responsibility
for the continuation of the project.
7. The meeting took place against the background of the COVID-19
pandemic. Participants expressed their solidarity with all countries
affected in their efforts to address the outbreak. The Joint Commission
had not been able to convene recently due to relevant travel restrictions.