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Dutch FM hails nuclear agreement with Iran "important milestone"

Xinhua, July 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

The nuclear agreement with Iran is an important milestone because it opens up new opportunities, said Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders in a news release published Wednesday.

The detailed and comprehensive agreement reached in Vienna between Iran and the E3+3 countries (Germany, France, the UK, the United States, Russia and China is a victory for diplomacy, as the parties have found a way to allay international concerns about Iran's nuclear program, he said.

It is important to start implementing the agreement as soon as possible and to ensure full compliance. Verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will be vital. "The Netherlands will do its part where necessary to make this happen," said Koenders.

The Netherlands has previously contributed around 500,000 euros (547,470 U.S. dollars) to the IAEA for monitoring the implementation of the interim agreement, according to the Dutch government.

Under the present agreement, sanctions against Iran will be lifted in phases, offering the Iranian people the prospect of an improved economic situation. Should Iran fail to comply with the agreement, the sanctions will be reinstated.

The agreement is an important milestone that sets limits on Iran's nuclear program and prevents it from developing nuclear weapons, said Koenders. "This can put an end to one of the greatest security threats we currently face." Endit