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Iran Focus
 London, Jul. 01 – Human rights in Iran will be a priority for the
European Union under the Presidency of the United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony
Blair, according to a report released by British Foreign Secretary Jack
Straw.
The report, entitled “Prospects for the EU in 2005”, noted, “Human rights are
also a priority for the UK and EU in relations with Iran, and, as Presidency, the UK will represent the EU in the
EU/Iran Human Rights Dialogue”.
The paper also stated that progress in the EU’s
relations with Iran depended on “action” by Iran to address the EU’s political concerns in other areas such as the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, Iran’s approach towards terrorism and
the Middle
East
peace process.
Regarding Iran’s suspected nuclear weapons
program the paper added that “a full suspension [of uranium enrichment] is
essential for the continuation of the process”.
The EU under Blair’s presidency will face newly-elected Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, an
ultra-conservative loyal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The UK will “consult with partners” on the implications
of the outcome of the Iranian presidential election, according to the paper
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