UN chief urges commitment to JCPOA by all parties - Spokesperson

NEW YORK, June 17 (KUNA) -- Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Monday reiterated Secretary-General's principled position the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) "represents a major achievement in nuclear nonproliferation and diplomacy." "The agreement has contributed to regional and international peace and security," he told reports when asked about Iran plan to exceed the uranium enrichment level set out in the nuclear deal.
"The Secretary-General is aware of the statements that we've seen by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran," Dujarric pointed out.
"The Secretary-General encourages Iran to implement its nuclear-related commitments and calls on all participants to fully abide by their respective commitments, as well as on other Member States to support the Plan's implementation.
"The Secretary-General urges all parties to refrain from any steps that may lead to further escalation of the tensions in the region," he affirmed.
Asked about the UN Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) which endorsed JCPOA prepared for lifting the economic sanctions on Iran, Dujarric said, "The resolution has mechanisms that are in place." "It's up to the Security Council to act on that resolution. For us, we still believe in the importance of the JCPOA. We also believe that the parties involved should not do anything that would escalate further the already -- the already high tensions in the region," he added. (end) gb