Iran on Tuesday slammed an EU document over allegations against Islamic Republic’s missile activities and regional role.
Iranian Foreign Ministry released a statement to explicate the country’s stances towards a conclusion that the EU council adopted on Monday night on Iran.
Although the Foreign Ministry has welcomed the EU’s positive approaches in the conclusion, it has leveled criticism at the European document for raising certain issues.
“The experience of the talks and cooperation between Iran and the European Union over the years, especially over the past three years, has shown that there are many capacities and opportunities for cooperation and development of relations between the two sides,” the statement read.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has serious considerations and criticisms of the EU positions. First of all, as previously announced, we welcome the launch of EU’s trade mechanism which aims to support trade exchanges with Iran, i.e. SPV, but without a doubt the realistic expectation is that this mechanism would be implemented as soon as possible with greater accuracy and speed, and cover other aspects of trade between Iran and European countries, as outlined in the statement issued by the foreign ministers of Iran and the three European countries.”
The ministry meanwhile, considered EU allegations against the Islamic Republic as unjustified and unconstructive, “in a situation where the terrorist and criminal groups act freely in Europe,” adding that the accusations come “in line with the objectives of the enemies seeking to sabotage relations between Iran and Europe.”
On Iran’s defense activities, the statement said they are merely defensive, deterrent and indigenous, stressing that “this issue has never been and will never be on the agenda of our negotiations with other countries.”
Commenting on EU accusations regarding regional issue, the ministry stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran “has always supported dialogue, interaction and political solutions to resolve all regional crises,” calling on European countries to “have a realistic look at regional incidents and issues and not be affected by the demands of those opposed to peace and stability.”
On the other hand, the statement added that the “Islamic Republic of Iran condemns any instrumental and political use of human rights against independent countries,” noting that Tehran’s performance of over the past four decades “indicates the seriousness of our country towards the promotion of human rights and the fulfillment of international obligations through constructive cooperation and dialogue-based mechanisms.”
In a 12-point statement issued on Monday, the European Union welcomed Iran’s continued full and effective implementation of its nuclear-related commitments, as confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in thirteen consecutive reports.
EU also reiterated the need for Iran to continue to implement all of its commitments, and to continue to cooperate fully and in a timely manner with the IAEA.
The bloc, which remains part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also expressed allegations against Iran’s defensive program, role in the Middle East, as well as security issues.
Source: Iranian media
