TEHRAN – The Iranian foreign policy point man has said it is not working anymore to hold off on taking the initiative to address issues of international relevance, appearing critical of the European Union’s current policy.

Mohammad Javad Zarif made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Hungarian Parliament speaker Laszlo Kover on Sunday. 

“In this respect, initiatives should be taken, and international issues of our era can no longer be addressed by pursuing a policy of patience and awaiting,” Zarif said, calling on the EU to get engaged in international challenges more actively. 

Zarif had already rapped in an appearance with Slovak President Andrej Kiska the passive approach pursued by the EU in the Middle East region, particularly in connection with the dire humanitarian situation in Syria and Yemen.

Also, in a September talk in Tehran with President of French National Assembly Claude Bartolone, the top Iranian diplomat expressed readiness for more consultations with Europeans, including France, about regional crises, particularly the exchange of ideas on the Syrian conflict.  

Iran and the EU have recently seen increasing consultations on issues of mutual interests, with senior officials from both sides reciprocating formal visits after the nuclear deal reached in July 2015. 

AK/PA