German Govˈt Urged To Step Up Efforts For Enhanced Trade With Iran

Berlin, June 15, IRNA -- A senior German lawmaker of the co-ruling Christian Social Union (CSU) called on his government to intensify its efforts to promote trade relations with Iran as western sanctions over Tehranˈs nuclear program are being gradually lifted. Talking to the Frankfurt-based daily Frankfurter Rundschau, the head of the parliamentary economic committee, Peter Ramsauer lashed out at the inaction of the government of Chancellor Angela Merkel in pressing ahead for closer business ties with Iran as other western companies were flocking to Tehran in the wake of the landmark Geneva nuclear accord. Ramsauer who visited Iran recently, urged German government representatives to travel to the Islamic Republic in a bid to be a ˈdoor openerˈ for German firms in that country. He said that Germany could not afford to waste any time once the anti-Iran sanctions are removed following a likely nuclear deal in late July. The former transportation minister said that Berlin should seriously consider Iran as a possible strategic gas supplier./end