Sr. MP: Iran Welcomes Expansion Of Ties With Europe

Tehran, Oct 8, IRNA – Head of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Ala’eddin Boroujerdi, said on Tuesday that Iran welcomes expansion of relations with European states. Speaking to Clemens von Gotze, Head of the German Federal Foreign Office (FFO) Political Department, on Tuesday, Boroujerdi said given the new atmosphere governing the country after the presidential election, Iran welcomes expansion of relations with European countries, hoping that their sanction policies would change as soon as possible. He welcomed promotion of parliamentary relations with Germany. Underlining common stances of Iran and Germany on regional and international issues, Boroujerdi said Iran and Germany share many common stances on campaign against terrorism, drug smuggling and settlement of such regional crises as those in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria and “we should help settle the crises through constant consultations and talks.” As for Syria issue, he said Iran has since the beginning of the crisis believed that talks among Syrian groups and government is the only possible solution to the crisis and military solution would only heighten tension in the region. He said illegal sanctions imposed on Iran would deprive German companies of economic and trade opportunities in the country. He noted that the Iranian government and nation, by relying on their vast human capabilities and capacity, meet domestic needs and the European and American companies have been the main losers of the sanctions. G?tze, for his part, said Irans nuclear issue has overshadowed other parts of Tehran-Berlin relations. “The German government is highly interested in expansion of bilateral economic, political and cultural relations and supports Iran’s right to peaceful use of nuclear energy.” He said German companies are eager to be present in Iran’s vast market. On common stances on Syria, the German official said both countries believe that military solution does not work in Syria case, only adding to pains and sufferings of the Syrian people. So, extremist groups’ operations in Syria should be checked, he added./end