 London, Mar. 21 – The European Union has warned Iran that it may face diplomatic reprisals if it continues to defy the demands of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in its nuclear pursuit. The EU said that it had “deep concern” at Tehran’s “continuing failure” to cooperate fully with the IAEA, in a statement issued on Monday.
| Next up: 'deep disappointment'. |
The EU “deeply regrets that Iran has failed to implement in full the measures deemed necessary by the IAEA Board. As a result, the UN Security Council is currently considering appropriate steps. The Council believes that the Security Council should act to reinforce the authority of the IAEA”, the statement said, adding that it continued to be committed to a diplomatic solution.
Except the Soviets Russians and Chinese have already nixed that. Sorry. |
The 25-nation block called on Iranian leaders to “urgently” meet the full requests of the IAEA board of governors’ resolution of 4 February, including “full suspension” of all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities. “The nuclear issue will remain a central and pressing concern. The Council however also underlines the necessity that Iran addresses effectively all the EU’s areas of concern which include terrorism, Iran's approach to the Middle East peace process, regional issues as well as respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms”.
The EU called on Iranian authorities to release all “prisoners of conscience immediately and unconditionally” and condemned human rights abuses in Iran. In particular they condemned the “violence used against peaceful protesters on International Women's Day”. “The EU will keep all its diplomatic options under close review and will calibrate its approach in the light of Iranian declarations and actions”, the statement said.
| And calibrate. And re-calibrate. |
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