Assefi Calls EU Statement Political
Assefi said the statement is not based on reality and highlights issues that are not related to human rights in Iran.
"One should ask how the European Union dares to challenge Iran’s state institutions by means of the statement," Assefi said.
"The wording of the statement is not in line with the values the European Union claims to be adhering to," he added.
Assefi said the EU had ignored the facts when voicing its concern over Iran’s human rights situation and nuclear program, adding that the union’s statement had been influenced by U.S. pressure and based on certain political considerations.
“There is no doubt that the EU’s role in the international community will be undermined if it continues this behavior toward the Islamic Republic,” he warned.
He said Iran would continue to promote ties with the EU on the basis of mutual interests, stressing that any measure to that effect depends on the EU’s commitment to the principle of mutual respect.
Assefi stated that Iran and the EU have agreed to continue their talks on human rights with no preconditions. “The union should not adopt a unilateral position to determine the nature of the upcoming Iran-EU meeting and should not set conditions for the talks," he added.
He said that Iran welcomes the EU decision to continue talks with the Islamic Republic, and voiced hope that the union would avoid politicizing the issue so that a satisfactory result can be achieved.
“Iran has always asked EU states to participate in Iran’s nuclear energy projects in order to see that our nuclear plans are transparent. We are still waiting for their response,” he said.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said Tehran expects the EU to consider its concerns as well as its legitimate right to develop nuclear energy and to facilitate Iran’s efforts in that connection.