MP: Ashton Aims To Patch Up Iran-EU Economic Ties

Tehran, March 10, IRNA – Head of Iran-UK Parliamentary Friendship Group Abassali Mansouri Araei said on Sunday that agenda of Tehran visit of EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton is beyond the nuclear issue and she seeks to refurbish economic relations between Iran and European Union. Speaking to IRNA, he said Ashton pursues expansion of political and commercial relations and cooperation in her meeting with Iranian officials. She is in Tehran to win support of a regional partner for the European Union, he said adding that Iranˈs might at political and economic fields helps achieve the goal. Referring to escalation of tension between US and Russia on Ukraine, he said the ground is now well-prepared for the European Union to find new partners in the region. The Islamic Republic of Iran is influential in the Muslim World and the region, and keen on developing trade and economic cooperation with the European states, he said. Economic and political opportunities in Iran are interrelated and Ashton has recognized the fact to help refresh ties between Iran and European Union, he said. The Zionists are lobbying to separate Iran and European Union, he said adding that the new Iranian government and European Union seek to broaden relations and cooperation which would lead to a common understanding./end