Secretary-General Meets with Iran’s President to Discuss Critical Issues;

Expresses ‘Grave Concern’ about Continued Uranium Enrichment Activities

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General met this evening with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of the Islamic Republic of Iran and discussed a number of critical issues concerning Iran and the international community.

The Secretary-General expressed his grave concern about its activities related to continued uranium enrichment as demonstrated by the construction of a new uranium enrichment facility in the country.  He emphasized that the burden of proof is on Iran.  The Secretary-General reiterated his call on Iran to fully implement relevant Security Council resolutions as well as fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) towards resolving all outstanding concerns related to its nuclear programme.  In this regard, he noted the recent proposals put forward by Iran and urged it to engage in constructive negotiations as promptly as possible.

The Secretary-General expressed his continuing concern about the human rights situation in Iran, with respect to freedoms of association, assembly and practice of religion.  He underlined the need to uphold due process and transparency in the trials and treatment of post-election and other detainees.  He encouraged Iran to receive United Nations Special Rapporteurs in conformity with the standing invitation issued by the Iranian authorities.

The Secretary-General reiterated his strong rejection of the President’s repeated denials of the Holocaust.

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For information media • not an official record