Iran Envoy Calls For Improving Iran-EU Ties

Tehran, July 2, IRNA – Iranian Ambassador to Belgium Mahmoud Barimani said on Monday that European Union should ease sanctions on Iran to help improve bilateral relations. In an interview with online newspaper EUobserver, Barimani said that the Europeans should seize the opportunity provided by presidential election recently held in Iran. ˈOur relations dates back to decades and even centuries ago and we expect EU member states to improve relations with Iran,ˈ he said. Asked whether Iran is ready to suspend uranium enrichment, he said ˈWe are ready to show more transparency with regard to our nuclear activities, but easing or lifting of sanctions can be viewed as a good will gesture on the part of the European side. On invitation of Iran to attend Geneva 2 conference on Syria, he said that Iran welcomes such an invitation and this step would benefit the Syrian nation. He called for finding a political solution to the Syria conflict. He called on both warring sides to announce a ceasefire in a bid to pave the way for holding a democratic presidential election in 2014. He also refuted claims about dispatch of Iranian military forces to Syria to help the government of President Assad against Syrian rebels. He expressed concern about the measures taken by Sunni extremists such as al Qaeda group in Syria. He also called on the European Union not to follow US unjustifiable policies, saying the EU can play an important role in international developments./end