The following is a statement by Yukiya Amano, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):

"I have reported today to the Board of Governors the status, as of 20 January 2014, of Iran's nuclear programme in relation to the Joint Plan of Action agreed between the E3/EU3+3 and Iran on 24 November 2013.

"I am pleased to note that the implementation of the Joint Plan of Action has started today. This is an important development.

"The IAEA is ready to undertake monitoring and verification in relation to the nuclear-related measures set out in the Joint Plan of Action. For this purpose, I have requested the convening of a Board of Governors meeting later this week to seek its endorsement."