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MEP Calls for EU Dialogue with Iran on Nuclear Proliferation, Human Rights and Cultural Issues

31 January 2008

Baroness Nicholson MEP, during a debate on the ‘Situation in Iran’ has called on the European Union to pursue dialogue with Iran to resolve disputes on nuclear proliferation, human rights but also to highlight Iranian culture as part of the EU’s European Parliaments Arab Week to take place in the Autumn of 2008.

The European Parliament was debating a report that examines Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its human rights record.  A strongly worded resolution passed by the European Parliament following the debate, and supported by Baroness Nicholson MEP.

On the nuclear proliferation issue the resolution states that the “Iranian nuclear programme remain a source of serious concern to the EU and the international community”, that the European Parliament supports “the EU’s efforts to find a negotiated long-term solution on the nuclear issue”, reiterates that a “solution to the present nuclear escalation is possible and that no military action should be taken into consideration… [and] calls on the United States Administration and all other actors involved to renounce all rhetoric on military options”.

The resolution also urges Iran “to enter, without delay, into a new round of negotiations on the future direction of its nuclear programme and to suspend all enrichment-related activities [and] calls on the United States, following its diplomatic success in the negotiations with North Korea, to participate directly in negotiations with Iran along with the EU”.

On Iran’s human rights record the European Parliament resolution expresses “its deep concern over the deterioration of the human rights situation in Iran during recent years”, strongly condemns “the death sentences and executions in Iran, in particular those imposed or carried out on juvenile offenders and minors”, condemns “the repression against political opponents, human rights defenders, journalists, web loggers, teachers, intellectuals, women, students, trade unionists, and persons belonging to religious, ethnic, linguistic or other minorities” and urges “the Iranian authorities to end the harassment, intimidation and persecution of these citizens, and to release unconditionally all prisoners of conscience”.

Speaking during the debate, Baroness Nicholson MEP stated:

“I believe there are huge possibilities for dialogue, but not just on human rights and not just on the all-important nuclear issue. I believe we should be having dialogue on cultural issues – music, art, archaeology, painting, calligraphy – in which we share so much historical reference and so much potential for future gain.”

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