Sanctions are unfriendly measures in EU-Iran ties: Iran FM to Borrell

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
15 Aug 2023 23:48

The continuation of EU sanctions against Iran is not in the best interest of the EU, the Iranian top diplomat told Josep Borrell.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian pictured on February 22, 2023, in Iraq. (AP)

Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told the EU foreign policy chief that Iran that the continuation of sanctions against Iran is non-constructive to the development of EU-Iran relations, MEHR news agency reported on Tuesday.

During a phone conversation with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Iranian diplomat and his counterpart discussed a number of issues which included the crisis in Niger, the situation in Ukraine, and the relations between Iran and the EU.

The latest release of frozen Iranian funds from South Korea is considered a positive development, the Iranian diplomat said, hoping that others who are still illegally placing a hold on Iranian assets will soon follow suit.

He noted that cooperation between Iran and the IAEA is "on the right path of cooperation."

Commenting on restrictive measures imposed by the EU on Iran, Amir-Abdollahian said that the nature and continuation of such policies are "unfriendly measures in the relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Europe" and that their continuation is not in the best interest of the EU.

As for the crisis in Niger, the Iranian top diplomat expressed concern over the situation, noting that Tehran is closely following up with current developments in the country.

"We emphasize the importance of the rule of law in Niger and, definitely the need for avoiding any military intervention. In the meantime, we consider the blockade on Niger to be a factor for deepening the people's problems," Amir-Abdollahian told Borrell.