Parliament threatens to block Iran trade deal

By Andrew Beatty

Date: 21/04/05

The European Parliament is threatening to obstruct a possible EU trade deal with Iran if further progress is not made on human rights.

Speaking after a visit to Iran, the Parliament's head of delegation, Angelika Beer, said that progress on human rights must move in parallel with trade discussions.

The dialogue on human rights "must be a success not just a promise", Beer, a German Green MEP, told European Voice.

In June 2002 the EU agreed to establish parallel trade and political talks with Iran (including human rights issues), a move aimed at improving relations with the Islamic republic and strengthening the hand of moderates within the administration.

Some progress has been made on trade talks, which have so far focused on energy, trade and investment issues. European firms are keen to formalise trade ties with Iran, which holds over 11% of the world's proven oil reserves and over 15% of gas reserves.

But with human rights groups continuing to report the detention of journalists and political activists as well as the use of torture, corporal punishment and stoning, concern is growing in Parliament that the human rights dialogue is not moving as fast.

"There is a need to improve the situation," said Beer.

The chairman of Parliament's foreign affairs committee Elmar Brok underlined the importance attached to the human rights dialogue.

"It is a precondition for us," he said, adding that the upcoming presidential elections in Iran would be a crucial test.

Theoretically, Parliament "can block or delay agreements with other countries", according to Majory van den Broeke, a Parliament spokesperson.

But it is unclear how the Parliament's threat may affect the EU's efforts to stop Iran's nuclear programme being used for military purposes.

The EU and US have been offering aircraft parts and nuclear technology to Iran in return for assurances on its nuclear programme.

Article reports that the European Parliament was threatening to obstruct a possible EU trade deal with Iran if further progress was not made on human rights. Speaking after a visit to Iran, the Parliament's head of delegation, Angelika Beer, said that progress on human rights had to move in parallel with trade discussions.

EEAS: Countries: Iran http://www.eeas.europa.eu/iran/index_en.htm

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