Iran issues not ignored – Lamy

Date: 20/06/02

TRADE Commissioner Pascal Lamy insists the EU will not turn its back on human rights and terrorism concerns despite agreeing this week to start trade talks with Iran.

His comments follow warnings from the US that the Union must insist on tough conditions involving alleged Iranian support for terror groups and arms proliferation before it signs off on any deal.

Speaking to MEPs, Lamy said the EU wanted to spur internal reform processes in Iran 'to see an opening up of this country towards the rest of the world'. But he said there would be strings attached.

'We have now a negotiated mandate for economic and trade issues,' he said.

'This will go hand in hand with a political dialogue with the country. The human rights situation needs to be looked at.

'Also Iran needs to commit itself to the fight against terrorism and acting against the proliferation of arms.'

Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy insists the EU will not turn its back on human rights and terrorism concerns, despite agreeing to start trade talks with Iran.