Statement From Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Iran
Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Iran
The Secretary-General welcomes reports of the release of a number of Americans who had been detained in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian, and of a number of Iranians held by the United States of America following an agreement between the two Governments.
The Secretary-General commends the recent moves by the Governments of the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran to improve ties. He is also heartened by the lifting of sanctions on Iran.
He expresses the hope that the parties move on to fully implement the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in good faith and to increase cooperation on other pressing international and regional matters.
Finally, the Secretary General affirms the need for all concerned in the region to make the world a safer place through dialogue and peaceful means.
New York, 16 January 2016
ENDS