Iran: MEPs back stronger links to boost reform

Date: 25/07/02

By David Cronin

WASHINGTON is 'aiding and abetting' reactionary forces in Iran by claiming it belongs to an 'axis of evil', according to MEP Glyn Ford, who visited the country last week.

Ford said the EU should encourage President Muhammad Khatami to embark on further reforms by establishing firmer links with him and his allies. 'The reformists are turning to Europe,' he added. 'It is impossible for them to have dialogue with the US.'

The English Socialist took part in the Tehran trip (16-21 July) alongside his Liberal compatriot Emma Nicholson, and two German Christian Democrats, Elmar Brok and Michael Gahler.Brok, chairman of the Parliament's foreign affairs committee, said the delegation was impressed by Khatami's understanding of the importance of Christian-Muslim interaction.

During their talks with him, the MEPs suggested holding a joint forum on constitutional developments in Europe and in Islamic countries.

But Brok underscored the human rights abuses in Iran.

The judicial system could not be considered independent and serious barriers to freedom of expression remain. The delegation was told 30 journalists had been imprisoned in the past few months.

Brok hopes his colleagues will endorse his invitation to Iranian parliamentarians to visit Brussels or Strasbourg in the near future, leading to an official European Parliament delegation to Iran.

Michael Gahler stressed that Europe should not lecture Tehran. The reformists wanted international support for their moves 'because this is something coming from the country itself,' he explained. 'It shouldn't be something imposed from outside.'

The EU should encourage Iranian President Muhammad Khatami to embark on further reforms by establishing firmer links with him and his allies, says MEP Glyn Ford.