UNITED NATIONS – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the implementation of the Iran nuclear accord Saturday, January 16, and voiced hope that the success will boost regional stability.
"This is a significant milestone that reflects the good faith effort by all parties to fulfil their agreed commitments," Ban said in a statement.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) certified earlier that Iran had carried out all of its commitments under the historic deal, clearing the way for the lifting of international sanctions.
Ban voiced hope that "the success of this agreement contributes to greater regional and international cooperation for peace, security and stability in the region and beyond."
The UN chief also welcomed the release of 5 Americans including Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian.
He said he was "heartened by the lifting of sanctions on Iran."
The UN Security Council has imposed 4 sets of sanctions on Iran from 2006 to 2010, but these resolutions will be scrapped with the entry into force of the accord.
The council in July adopted a new resolution that maintains some restrictions in place on Iran such as a ban on missile technology transfers.
US Ambassador Samantha Power said work was "far from over" on implementing the nuclear deal and that Iran must "continue to abide by its commitments."
The United States will work to make sure restrictions that remain in place against Iran are "fully enforced," she said.
Progress on the Iran nuclear deal came as the United Nations was pushing for breakthroughs in Syria and Yemen, two conflicts where Iran is a key player.
Ban stressed the "need for all concerned in the region to make the world a safer place through dialogue and peaceful means."
The UN sanctions blacklist for Iran has 43 individuals and 78 entities that are subject to a global travel ban and an assets freeze. – Rappler.com