US Secretary of State John Kerry wrote an article for the Boston Globe newspaper, which summarizes the main results of the outgoing diplomatic year.
"Nothing is more important than the recent global agreement in Paris to prevent the most harmful impacts of climate change," RIA Novosti cited him as saying. The Secretary of State believes that "by reaching out to China, the world’s leading emitter of greenhouse gases, and by emphasizing the incredible economic potential of clean energy technology, we were able to secure an agreement that sends the right message to all."
He stressed that it is a "common responsibility to sustain the momentum generated in Paris, so that the targets established there are not considered as a ceiling on what we can accomplish, but rather a platform upon which we can make further gains."
Kerry also mentioned the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, noting in this regard that Tehran "has since begun dismantling critical elements of its nuclear facilities and, on December 28, shipped a major portion of its enriched uranium out of the country".
"We must continue to monitor implementation of this agreement closely to ensure that the specter of a nuclear-armed Iran is removed as a threat to Middle East security and global peace," he stressed.
He also mentioned the restoration of diplomatic relations with Cuba, stating that the decision meets the national interests of the United States and the desire to help the citizens of Cuba live in a more open and prosperous society. "As I walked through the streets of Old Havana, I felt more strongly than ever that we should not allow our continued differences with the Cuban regime to prevent closer engagement with the Cuban people," Kerry admitted.
