Khatami asks EU to fulfil obligations towards Iran
DeepikaGlobal, India
12 Jan 2004
Teheran, Jan 12 (DPA) President Mohammad Khatami has asked the European Union to fulfil its obligations towards Iran in the context of the additional protocol of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the news network Khabar reported today.
''We have fulfilled our promises, now we expect the EU to reciprocate,'' Khatami told visiting Spanish Foreign Minister Ana Palacio yesterday night.
In return for signing the additional IAEA protocol, Teheran expects not only EU acknowledgement of its right to have nuclear activities but also cooperation in expanding atomic projects.
Palacio said that both Spain and the EU welcomed Iran's cooperation with the IAEA and also expected that Teheran would have a positive role in the reconstruction of Iraq.
At the end of talks with her Iranian counterpart Kamal Kharrazi today, Palacio described her visit to Teheran as positive and said that contacts with Iran would continue.
http://www.deepikaglobal.com/ENG4_sub.asp?ccode=ENG4&newscode=37256Iranian opposition figures call for EU support
09 January 2004
EU Business
Opponents of the Iranian government meeting in Germany called Friday on the European Union to offer support to democratic opposition parties ahead of parliamentary elections in Iran on February 20.
"All of Europe's institutions and political parties should meet and support Iran's democratic opposition parties," said one of their spokesmen, Nosratollah Barati-Novbari.
He also called on the UN Security Council to get involved.
"The question of freedom and human rights concern all humanity, and all humanity has the right to fight for Iran," Barati said.
More than 8,000 candidates are competing in the vote for 290 seats in parliament, which is dominated by reformists who support embattled President Mohammad Khatami.
But most face being weeded out by the interior ministry in consultation with the police, judiciary, intelligence services and registry office.
Candidates must also be approved by the Guardians Council, an unelected body controlled by conservatives which has the power to vet all prospective lawmakers.
Barati is among some 500 opposition figures taking part in a three-day conference in Berlin aimed at promoting democracy and installing a "true republic" in Iran.
The participants include politicians, researchers and artists from around the world, including from Europe, Australia and the United States, and delelgates span from far-right nationalists to left-wingers, he said.
They are calling notably for fair and free elections, constitutional change, greater government accountability and equal rights for women.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040109152409.puccanol -----
Comment: EU doesnt will to support Iranian dissidents.