Brussels, 19/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - Stressing its serious and growing concerns over Iran's nuclear programme, the European Council was pleased to welcome, on Friday 19 October, the conclusions and additional sanctions adopted by foreign ministers on 15 October “with the aim of achieving a serious and meaningful engagement from the Iranian regime” (see EUROPE 10710). “The Iranian regime can act responsibly and bring sanctions to an end, but as long as it does not do so, the EU remains determined to increase in close coordination with international partners pressure on Iran in the context of the dual-track approach”, the heads of state and government added to the initial conclusions, while Russia criticised the new sanctions on 17 October.
The heads of state and government reaffirm their commitment to the dual track approach and fully support the efforts of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton on behalf of the E3+3 (Germany, France, United Kingdom, China, United States and Russia) aimed at engaging Iran in “meaningful and constructive discussions”. Although the British prime minister stressed that the pressure must be stepped up, his Spanish counterpart specified how important it was to maintain the dual-track approach of negotiations and sanctions to ensure that Iran takes part in talks to find a diplomatic solution. The Council supports the recent resolution adopted by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which reproaches Iran for not containing its uranium enrichment activities. It states that Teheran is acting in flagrant violation of its international obligations and that it refuses to cooperate fully with the IAEA. (CG/transl.jl)