Amsterdam, 08/02/2016 (Agence Europe) - On Saturday 6 February, Belgium's Foreign Affairs Minister Didier Reynders underlined the need for a common European trade approach with Iran, in relation to the extra-territorial nature of the US sanctions.
At the end of the informal foreign affairs ministers meeting in Amsterdam, where relations with Iran were on the agenda, Reynders advocated a resumption of trade “if possible in a coordinated way” at European level. “We are trying to have a common position in order to have a correct interpretation of the lifting of European sanctions with the possible consequences for the US”, Reynders told a few journalists at the end of the informal meeting. Europeans are concerned about the possible measures Washington could take if Europeans carried out operations with Iran, due to the extra-territorial nature of the US measures. Despite the agreement on Iran's nuclear programme, the US still bans US banks and insurance companies from dealing with Iran, as well as any transaction taking place in US dollars and passing through the US financial system.
According to Reynders, a number of economic, financial and energy actors are reportedly cautious as to whether to invest in Iran for this reason. He added that it was also necessary for credit insurance to reduce the risk linked to Iran - a risk which is currently at maximum level.
Europeans also want to develop relations with Iran in terms of foreign policy. Tehran is an important actor in the Middle East region, in the Syrian conflict and also in Yemen. The EU would also like cooperation in terms of migration. “Iran is hosting a large number of Afghans on its soil and needs support for this - which is also in the European interest, in order to stabilise the situation”, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini stated elsewhere.
Human rights are another subject of discussion. According to Reynders, the Iranian authorities were open to the dialogue on this issue. The EU still has sanctions in place with Tehran for violations of human rights.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will be in Brussels on 15-16 Febuary where, among others, he will meet Mogherini. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)