Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade Brendan Smith TD has welcomed the news that a historic agreement has been reached between Iran and the key international powers to restrict its nuclear processing activities to energy use alone.

Deputy Smith stated, “Today’s announcement of an agreement in Vienna between Iran, the permanent members of the UN Security Council, the EU and Germany is a historic breakthrough which I hope will further break down the barriers between the Islamic Republic and the rest of the world. It is my and my Party’s hope, that what has been agreed today will provide solid foundations for peace not only in Iran but in the Middle East region as a whole. I believe that there is now further potential for progress in relations between Iran and the Western world.

“I would like to commend the courageous decisions made by the negotiators in finalising this deal. This agreement has been in the making for 12 years. It is complex and it will be challenging in its implementation. I would urge those who seek to undermine and dismiss this agreement to reflect and consider the considerable progress that the proposals represent. As we know from our own history, one must compromise and show good faith if an agreement is to last.

“Finally, I would like to commend the European External Action Service and in particular, The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini in her central role in brokering the agreement today. I know she has worked tirelessly to push this deal to its conclusion.”