Brussels, 06/07/2000 (Agence Europe) - The French Presidency of the Council made the following declaration on behalf of the EU:
"The European Union has learned with concern of the verdict declared by the revolutionary court of Shiraz, and wishes to express its disappointment that the trial was held in camera despite the assurances of the Iranian authorities. The European Union notes that an appeal against the judgment is possible. In view of the importance it attaches to the case, it fervently hopes that the appeal court will retract the sentences passed. The European Union will continue to express its concerns to the Iranian authorities."
The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, as well as Cyprus and Malta and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area aligned themselves with this declaration.