EU LEADERS stepped up pressure on Iran over its nuclear programme, imposing a six-week deadline on its returning to negotiations or risk new sanctions.
In a statement issued after an EU summit in Brussels, the leaders castigated Tehran over breaching its international commitments on the nuclear programme and also expressed deep concern at human rights violations in the country.
Although Iranians insist the programme is strictly civilian, EU leaders said Tehran had done nothing to rebuild confidence in the “exclusively peaceful” nature of the programme.
“The fact that Iran has constructed a clandestine enrichment facility near Qom, in breach of its obligations, and the declaration of an intent to construct further plants have further deepened the European Council’s concerns.
“The European Council regrets that Iran has not agreed with the International Atomic Energy Agency to a scheme of nuclear fuel supply for the Tehran research reactor, which would contribute to build confidence while responding to Iran’s need for medical radio-isotopes.
“The European Council notes with great concern that Iran has failed to take up repeated offers by China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States and the EU high representative Javier Solana to further discuss its nuclear programme and other issues of mutual concern.” While stating that the EU remains committed to work for a diplomatic solution, the leaders said the union will continue to review all aspects of the issue.
“However, Iran’s persistent failure to meet its international obligations and Iran’s apparent lack of interest in pursuing negotiations require a clear response, including through appropriate measures.”
With EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton scheduled to chair a meeting of foreign ministers late next month, the leaders told foreign ministers to consider US demands to escalate sanctions against Iran if progress is not made before then.
In that context, they said they would support action by the UN Security Council if Iran continues not to co-operate with the international programme. However, Russia and China have resisted the imposition of further sanctions, arguing for patience.
Current sanctions include embargoes on the export of goods and technology that could be used for nuclear purposes, travel restrictions on the right of certain Iranians to travel into the EU and a freezing of EU funds and assets owned by certain Iranian citizens and companies.
On Afghanistan, the leaders said they expected the Afghan authorities to make clear commitments, at an international conference in London at the end of January, to improve their system of governance, weed out corruption and fight the drug trade.
“In return, we expect renewed political support by the international community for security, governance and economic development, including by enhancing the international co-ordination structure.
“The European Council welcomes the recent announcement by President Obama of a reinforced engagement and commitment by the US to Afghanistan and Pakistan. This announcement comes at a time of renewed focus and engagement by the international community as a whole.”