Japan FM urges ‘uninterrupted’ implementation of Iran deal

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (L) shakes hands with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida during talks in Tokyo, December 7, 2016. (Photo by AFP)

Japan has voiced support for the nuclear deal struck between Tehran and the P5+1 group of world powers last year, calling for an “uninterrupted” implementation of the landmark accord, days after the US Senate voted in favor of extending an anti-Iran sanctions law.

In a meeting with his visiting Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Tokyo, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida called on all parties to the July 2015 nuclear deal, named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to keep fulfilling their commitments without any interruption.

Kishida also promised a more active Japanese role in efforts to ensure a “practical implementation” of the nuclear deal, which is the product of intense negotiations between Iran and its six other partners, namely the US, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany.

The JCPOA ended nuclear-related sanctions against Iran, stipulating that no such embargoes should be imposed on Tehran, which agreed, in return, to place certain limits on its nuclear program.

However, the US Senate voted to extend for another decade the so-called Iran Sanctions Act (ISA), which authorizes the US president to impose bans against the Islamic Republic, a move viewed in Tehran as a violation of Washington’s promises under the JCPOA.

The vote comes despite numerous reports by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirming Iran’s commitment to the nuclear accord, which took effect in January.

Elsewhere in his comments, the Japanese minister called on the Islamic Republic, as an influential player, to help promote global peace and security.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (4th L) and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida (4th R) hold a meeting in Tokyo on December 7, 2016. (Photo by AFP)

Zarif, in turn, hailed Japan’s “constructive contribution” to the implementation of the JCPOA, calling on Japan to promote its participation in other areas, including Tehran-Tokyo trade and banking ties.

He further warned against the terrorist threats plaguing the Middle East, saying the Tokyo government should work with those parties fueling violence in the troubled region and dissuade them from backing the terrorists.

The top Iranian diplomat further said Tehran is ready for closer cooperation with Tokyo in efforts to restore stability to the economic sector of Afghanistan, where the two nations are involved in a joint fight against drug trafficking.

Zarif further highlighted recent meetings between senior Iranian and Japanese authorities, saying the two countries have already laid out a 10-year roadmap for the enhancement of bilateral relations.

Later in the day, the two sides are set to address journalists on the outcome of their negotiations in Tokyo.

The Iranian foreign minister arrived in Japan earlier in the day at the head of a high-ranking business delegation. Zarif had earlier paid visits to India and China.