Letter to Secretary of State Kerry on Interim Agreement Regarding Iran's Nuclear Program, November 27, 2013

November 27, 2013

The Honorable John Kerry
Secretary of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520

Dear Secretary Kerry:

Newspaper headlines and the internet are full of articles about the interim accord reached this past weekend with Iran that would place some limits on its nuclear program in exchange for some sanctions relief. As Chair of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I commend you and your P5 + 1 partners for tireless efforts to negotiate an agreement that allows continued dialogue with Iran on this crucial issue. As I mentioned in my letter of October 4, 2013, a diplomatic solution with Iran is greatly preferable to military action, which could have unpredictable and negative repercussions for the region.

I understand that this accord provides a six-month period for further negotiations and confidence building measures. The goal is to reach a more comprehensive agreement that would settle the crucial questions related to nuclear enrichment and nuclear non-proliferation. We welcome this step and hope that this interim agreement will allow all parties to negotiate further, build mutual confidence and trust, and reach a final accord that enhances genuine peace in the region.

Sincerely,

Bishop Richard E. Pates
Bishop of Des Moines
Chair, Committee on International Justice and Peace

letter-to-secretary-kerry-from-bishop-pates-re-6-month-accord-on-nuclear-program-2013-11-27.pdf