The European Union executive commission approved on Monday, November 19 a plan to negotiate a commercial and cooperation accord with Iran. The proposal will now be submitted to the 15 EU member governments, the commission said in a statement.
The accord would support trade and investment in Iran while contributing to the country's economic liberalization, according to the commission. It said it would also strengthen cooperation with Tehran in such areas as the campaign against illegal drugs, refugee assistance, energy and environmental protection.
A European source said that if approved by the EU, the negotiations -- which the commission hopes to begin early next year -- would likely take a year and a half. — (AFP, Brussels)
© Agence France Presse 2001
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
