02.11.2009

The European Council remains fully committed to finding a diplomatic solution to the issue of Iran’s nuclear programme and urges Iran to fully co-operate in this effort. The European Council reaffirms its grave concern over the development of Iran’s nuclear programme and Iran’s persistent failure to meet its international obligations. The recent disclosure of a facility intended for enrichment near Qom has further deepened its concerns.
The European Council urges Iran to heed the requirements of UNSC resolutions and to cooperate fully with the IAEA to resolve all remaining issues and to rebuild confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.

The European Council also calls upon Iran to agree with IAEA to the scheme of nuclear fuel supply for the Teheran research reactor which would contribute to building confidence while responding to Iran’s need for medical radio-isotopes.

Progress on the Iranian nuclear issue would pave the way for enhanced relations between the EU and Iran and open the way to mutually beneficial cooperation in the political, economic, security and technical fields.

The European Council will continue to review all aspects of the Iranian nuclear issue and will decide in the context of the dual track approach on our next steps.

The European Council deplores the continued violations of human rights in Iran. It is deeply concerned about the use of the death penalty, the violent suppression of dissent and the mass trials in post-electoral Iran against journalists, human rights defenders and political activists.

The European Council expresses its continuing concern about the situation of staff members of European Union Missions and European citizens in Iran who recently have been on trial, and calls upon their prompt and unconditional release.