Luxembourg, 13/10/2003 (Agence Europe) - On Monday the External Relations Council adopted conclusions on Iran regarding its nuclear programme and human rights. The Council "considers that the Iranian nuclear programme remains a cause of serious worry". While awaiting the third report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the EU is again asking Iran to sign 'without conditions" the additional IAEA protocol (which authorises random inspection of nuclear plants: Editor's note), declared President of the Council, Franco Frattini to the press. Referring to his conclusions of 29 September (EUEOPE 30 September p 6), the Council indicated that it would continue to follow the evolution of this sensitive case.
In its conclusions, the Council is particularly insisting on the imperative of better respect of human rights in Iran and reasserted that dialogue with Tehran on this subject is "one of the means by which the EU can work to improve the human rights situation in the country. As the Council has recalled on pervious occasions, this dialogue is an acceptable option only id sufficient progress is achieved and reflected on the ground. The Council welcomed the frank and constructive atmosphere that prevailed during the third round of the dialogue. The roundtable, with civil society participation from Iran and the EU, focused this time on the themes of freedom of opinion and expression and the right to development, whilst all issues of concern to the EU regarding the human rights situation in Iran were addressed during the subsequent officials-only talks. The Council was encouraged by the openness and diversity of views expressed within the Iranian delegation and the information provided about certain positive developments during both meetings, and trusts that this will be allowed to bear fruit in the near future it also welcomed the fact that the Iranian side provided information regarding individual cases that the EU had requested…the Council looks forward to the next round of the dialogue in Tehran, to be held as agreed without restriction on membership of either delegation…The Council remains deeply concerned however, that, despite such a commitment (by the Iranian government) that serious violations of human rights" in Iran. it cites the freedom of expression, "which continues to be "deeply troubling, especially on the eve of the Parliamentary elections" planned for the beginning of next year. The Council also mentions the arrests of students and journalists and the detention of people who have simply and peacefully expressed their views.
The Council reiterates its firm position against the death penalty and is worried about the public executions in Iran, as well as continued use of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment, including amputation, despite the recommendations by judges to choose other forms of punishment. "The Council reaffirmed in this context that a similar recommendations on alternatives to death by stoning only a first step towards abolition of this practice". It is calling on the Iranian authorities to establish a moratorium on all executions in view, finally, to their abolition. The Council also deplores the violent death in detention of photo-journalists, Zara Kazemi and is calling for a complete, independent and impartial investigation into all aspects of the case, including the role of the Chief Prosecutor for Tehran.
The Council has insisted again that Iran speeds up the legal reform process as rapidly as possible, particularly the recommendations of the UN work groups on arbitrary detentions published last June. The Council is also worried about the continued violations of women's' rights and freedom of religion, particularly with regard to the Bah'is.
The Council welcomes the possible vista to Iran next November of the Special UN Reporter on freedom of expression.