President Ramaphosa expresses deep concern on the decision by the US Government to

withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran

9 May 2018

It is with deep concern that the South African Government has noted the decision of the United States
Government to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)
between the P5 +1 and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

As a matter of principle, and deeply rooted in its foreign policy, South Africa supports multilateral
diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of conflict. The JCPOA is a significant achievement in this regard.
It provides a framework of confidence under which the Islamic Republic of Iran can pursue the
development of its nuclear capabilities for civilian purposes.

In addition, the agreement was unanimously endorsed by the UN Security Council in resolution 2231,
which establishes a binding legal framework to resolve the dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme.

“It is important that the progress made over many years of negotiation should not be lost. Since its
adoption, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action has contributed significantly to the reduction of
tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme and still has an important role to play in promoting peace,
stability and the normalisation of relations,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said.

In the interest of regional and international peace and security, the South African Government calls on
the other parties of the JCPOA to continue to honour their commitments under the Agreement. In this
regard, the decision of the United States should not prevent the remaining parties from honouring their
commitments, nor should it impact negatively on the relevant structures and mechanisms created by the
JCPOA.

Enquiries

Khusela Diko: Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/