Summary: EU Council Conclusions - Iran (7 November 2005: Brussels)
Council conclusions on Iran, 2687th EXTERNAL RELATIONS Council meeting, Brussels
The Council adopted the following conclusions:
"1. The Council reviewed its overall approach to Iran.
2. The Council condemns in the strongest terms the comments in respect of the State of Israel made by President Ahmedinejad. It deplores calls for violence and for the destruction of any state. These comments cause concern about Iran's role in the region and its future intentions.
3. The Council reiterates its grave concern at Iran's resumption of activity at the Uranium Conversion Facility in Esfahan. The Council urges Iran to implement all measures requested by the IAEA Board of Governors in its Resolution on 24 September, including reinstating a full suspension of all fuel cycle activities, thus allowing negotiations with the European side to resume before the IAEA Board meets again in November. The Council underlines the EU's continued support for a diplomatic
solution to international concerns over Iran's nuclear programme.
4. The Council underlines the long-standing importance it attaches to sustainable political and economic reform in Iran. In this regard, the Council agreed on the importance of the Comprehensive Dialogue. The Council agreed that the Comprehensive Dialogue is an appropriate framework for discussing issues of mutual interest and concern. These include not only areas such as counter-narcotics but also areas of long-standing concern to the EU: terrorism, the proliferation of WMD, Iran's approach to
the Middle East peace process, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and regional issues. While noting progress in the co-operation between Iran and Europe in the field of counter-narcotics, the Council reiterates that the evolution of the long-term relationship, avoiding a deterioration, between Iran and Europe will depend on action by Iran to address effectively all the EU's areas of concern. The Council reiterates that it is up to Iran to determine, through its actions, whether its
long-term relationship with the EU will improve or deteriorate.
5. The Council expresses its deep concern at the serious violations of human rights which continue to occur in Iran. It urges Iran to strengthen respect for human rights and the rule of law. The Council is disappointed that the EU-Iran Human Rights Dialogue has not been held since June 2004, despite repeated attempts on the EU's part to agree dates for the next round. The Council urges Iran to take steps to resume substantive discussions under the Dialogue and to demonstrate by its actions that
it is willing to improve respect for human rights including by fulfilling its obligations and earlier commitments in relation to juvenile executions and by permanently releasing Akbar Ganji and other prisoners of conscience.
6. The Council stresses that discrimination between EU Member States by Iran in any field is unacceptable and contrary to EU principles of solidarity. It calls on Iran to lift all discriminatory restrictions against individual Member States, which could impact negatively on Iran's stated desire to pursue greater co-operation with the EU.
7. The Council agrees to keep the EU's approach to Iran under close review in light of progress on the nuclear file and other issues of concern."
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