Brussels, 09/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 9 September, the European Commission responded to the EU General Court's annulment of the freeze on funds, by the Council, of seven bodies accused of taking part in the development of the Iranian nuclear programme (see EUROPE 10916). In a press release from the staff of High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, the Commission states that the effects of the Council's acts “will be maintained until the expiry of the period for bringing an appeal” (two months and ten days from the day the judgment was pronounced). The Commission adds that in the meantime it will study these judgments in detail “with a view inter alia to determine the appropriate response”. The Commission stresses the fact that the judgments concern “legal requirements in relation to designations” (of the bodies on the list of bodies subject to sanctions “and not the EU policy on the Iranian nuclear file”. Fully aware of the consequences of these judgments, the Commission, like the member states, will continue reflection on “possible remedial action”, enabling “a swift conclusion on the approach regarding these cases” to be reached. (FG/transl.fl)