EP Official Calls For Removal Of Sanctions On Iran

Tehran, Oct 22, IRNA – Head of Socialist Fraction of European Parliament (EP) Hannes Swoboda said on Monday that the European Parliament is interested in removal of all sanctions on Iran. Swoboda of Austria who is on a visit to Tehran heading a parliamentary delegation, told a press conference that he is hopeful the sanctions will be lifted within the next few months. This is the first visit by a European Parliament delegation to Iran in six years. Swoboda and his entourage met with Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani and Chairman of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Alaeddin Boroujerdi on Sunday. Swoboda told reporters that the Socialist Fraction has 195 members in the European Parliament which included MEPs from 28-nation European Union. His visit is centered on different issues such as Iran’s nuclear program, human rights issues and the Syrian crisis, he said, adding “We have traveled to Tehran to help the icy Iran-EU relations melt down.” He said that he was pleased with diplomatic efforts of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at the United Nations General Assembly to normalize relations with the West. He reiterated that EP believes Iran’s nuclear rights should be recognized based on international law and the Non-Proliferation Treaty, but at the same time wants Iran to take confidence-building measures and allow inspectors to visit its nuclear sites. Swoboda also called for a nuclear-weapons-free Middle East./end