Brussels, 16/09/2003 (Agence Europe) - The International Federation of Human Rights Leagues (FIDH) and the League for the Defence of Human Rights in Iran (LDDHI) have expressed their regret at the postponement of the third session of human rights dialogue between the EU and Iran. The organisations declared that this third session, due to take place in Teheran on 15 and 16 September, was reportedly put back by the EU because of the veto imposed by the Iranian authorities on representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from taking part. The European Commission has refused to confirm this information. "We are looking for a new date for the third session and international NGOs will be there as usual", said Diego de Ojeda, Commission spokesperson, adding that the meeting will be held in Brussels.
In a press release, however, FIDH and LDDHI highlight the fact that the results of the two previous session of the human rights dialogue between the EU and Iran were disappointing and that the human rights situation in the country is far from improving. "The law prohibiting torture has still not been adopted, the conventions on discrimination against women and on torture have still not been ratified, torture remains widespread, the moratorium on sentencing to death by stoning has yet to be officially confirmed, other corporal punishment are still in force (flagellation and amputation), and freedom of expression is getting a tougher time of it than ever". The organisations are recommending for the third session: - making sure that independent Iranian and international NGOs are involved; - ensuring the presence of representatives of legal bodies, the Council of Guardians and of the Bureau chief, "institutions where the power really lies"; - guaranteeing commitments undertaken by Iran are followed up; - presenting a regular public assessment, including before the European Parliament, of the state of play with the dialogue. Lastly, they call upon the EU to present a resolution on human rights in Iran to the General Assembly of the United Nations to be held in December.