Brussels, 07/02/2001 (Agence Europe) - Answering the hopes of the EU 15 expressed in the conclusions of the "General Affairs" Council of last 20 November, the European Commission adopted, on Wednesday, a Communications on the European Union's relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Commission recommends a development of relations with Iran in view of:
Encouraging political and economic reforms, through the following initiatives: - deepening the political dialogue, including over human rights, the rule of law, regional security, arms of mass destruction and nuclear proliferation; - intensifying informal and formal bilateral meetings; - develop cooperation in the fields of common interest (the Commission notably cites drugs and refugees).
Promote bilateral economic relations, thanks to: - the negotiation of a trade and cooperation agreement; - the continuation of works carried out in the Iran/Commission working group on energy, trade and investment.
If this approach is adopted by the Council, the Commission will recommend to it the adoption of a mandate for the opening of negotiations with Iran.