Council of the European Union Conclusions on Iran
(2744th EXTERNAL RELATIONS Council meeting – Brussels, 17 July 2006)
The Council adopted the following conclusions:
"The Council expresses its deep disappointment that Iran has not responded positively to the offer of negotiations put to it on 6 June by the High Representative following agreement between France, Germany, UK, China, Russia and the US, and with the full support of the European Union.
These are far-reaching proposals for a long-term agreement which would provide Iran with everything it needs to develop a modern civil nuclear power programme. They would open the way to a new relationship with Iran based on mutual respect and expanded co-operation in political and economic fields, while meeting international concerns about the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.
The Council recalls that the IAEA Board of Governors and the UN Security Council have repeatedly called on Iran to suspend all uranium enrichment related and reprocessing activities. The proposals put to Iran are an attempt to find a way for Iran to fulfill these requirements without further action in the UN Security Council.
Since Iran has given no indication of willingness to engage seriously on the basis of the proposals the international community will have to return to the UN Security Council to make the decisions of the IAEA Board of Governors mandatory on Iran. Should Iran not comply, we will work for the adoption of measures under Article 41 of Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
We remain committed to a diplomatic solution, and the ideas put to Iran remain on the table. Should Iran decide to suspend all its enrichment-related activities and to implement the Additional Protocol, the way to negotiation would be reopened and action in the Security Council could be suspended.
The Council reiterates its commitment to exercise the utmost vigilance in the application of existing export control mechanisms for sensitive material so as to prevent the transfer of goods, technology and materials that might be used, directly or indirectly, in fissile material programmes and missile programmes.
The EU remains committed to building a long-term relationship with Iran based on confidence and cooperation. Such a development will depend on progress on all issues of concern which include terrorism, Iran’s approach to the Middle East peace process and regional issues.
Furthermore, the Council regrets the deterioration of the situation of human rights in Iran. Recalling its statement of 15 May 2006, the Council would like to draw particular attention to continuing violations of the freedom of expression and association, illustrated by the violent disruption of a peaceful demonstration on 12 June that advocated an end to legal discrimination against women. The Council is concerned at the situation of labour activists in Iran and the detention of Mr Mansour Ossanlou.
The Council calls on Iran to ensure implementation of its human-rights obligations including in the case of detention of Dr. Ramin Jahanbegloo. The Council deplores the lack of progress in this case and urges the Iranian authorities to ensure access to legal counsel for all detainees without delay."