| Author (Person) | Bower, Helen |
|---|---|
| Publisher | ProQuest Information and Learning |
| Series Title | In Focus |
| Series Details | 18.6.02 |
| Publication Date | 18/06/2002 |
| Content Type | News, Overview, Topic Guide | In Focus |
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At the General Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 17 June 2002 EU foreign ministers agreed to develop stronger relations with Iran in response to the process of reforms which are taking place under the rule of President Mohammad Khatami. The EU hopes that signing a Trade and Co-operation Agreement with Iran will help to bolster the reformists in the Tehran government as well as giving EU businesses advantages over their US counterparts to Iran's markets. However, the move will not be welcomed by Israel and the United States. Both had lobbied the EU to resist such a move and both doubt the ability of Iran to deliver on its promises. Indeed, Iran is seen by the US as one of the countries on the global 'axis of evil' and President Bush has outlined that it may even be a target for 'pre-emptive strikes'. The European Commission DG for External Relations, led by Chris Patten, will be tasked with negotiating an agreement which will centre on trade but will be accompanied by two separate instruments on political dialogue and counter-terrorism. The Council hopes to see positive developments in certain areas of concern, which it outlined in 1998, including: human rights and fundamental freedoms, non-proliferation, and the situation in the Middle East. In the light of recent events the EU also called on Iran to take action on terrorism, specifically by implementing fully UNSCR 1373 and to ratify and implement all relevant UN Conventions, as well as helping to ensure stability in Afghanistan. The Council stated that this two-track approach to developing stronger trade and political ties as necessary because:
The approach adopted by the Council is unique, since a 'mixed agreement' would normally be used, and this is subject to ratification by the national parliaments. This two-track approach is dependent on progress on trade, in parallel with progress on issues relating to human rights, anti-terrorism and nuclear non-proliferation. It has been favoured by Chris Patten, Javier Solana and the British Government, who have sought to find a compromise between those countries, led by Germany and The Netherlands, wanting a mixed agreement. While the latter is subject to ratification by national parliaments, the two track approach is only subject to agreement by the 15 Member States and the European Parliament which should allow for quicker progress. Links: European Commission: Council of the European Union: European Sources Online: Financial Times:
BBC News Online: Helen Bower At the General Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 17 June 2002 EU foreign ministers agreed to develop stronger relations with Iran in response to the process of reforms which are taking place under the rule of President Mohammad Khatami. |
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| Countries / Regions | Middle East |
