The European Union (EU) is scheduled to open next month another round of talks with Iran seeking to finalize a trade and cooperation pact. Negotiations will commence with the understanding that future cooperation is conditional upon an improvement of human rights practices in the Islamic Republic, according to the EU’s Foreign Policy Chief, Javier Solana.
Earlier this year, Iranian officials announced that it would not accept any pre-conditions from the EU to the signing of a trade and cooperation accord. Iran is seeking to ensure its major market share of EU gas imports through the accord. The block is forecasted to expand its imports from 44 percent to 81 percent of gas supply by 2030, reported the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The EU expressed deep concern over the death sentence of popular reformist Hashem Aghajar, which was recently overturned by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The intellectual was condemned to death for endorsing the rejection of Iran's Shiite Muslim faith in a speech he gave in the western city of Hamadan last August.
According to Solana, trade relations with Iran must advance simultaneously with negotiations over human rights, fighting terrorism, rejecting weapons of mass destruction and recognizing Israel. Solana confirmed that the Iranian government recently accepted, although reluctantly the linkage between all five issues.
The trade agreement is part of EU efforts to encourage “constructive engagement” with the Islamic Republic, in contrast to the American policy of isolating the country, branded part of Bush’s “axis of evil”.
The accord with the 15-member block is designed to support trade and investment in Iran while contributing to the country's economic liberalization. It would also aim to strengthen cooperation with Tehran in such areas as the campaign against illegal drugs, refugee assistance, energy and environmental protection. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
