A high-level European parliamentary delegation is being allowed to visit Iran this weekend, on 6 and 7 June, after years of institutional enmity which leading Socialist and Democrat MEP, in the five-strong group, says could play an important confidence building role towards meeting the end of June deadline for the country to finalise an international agreement over its nuclear programme.
S&D MEP Richard Howitt, Socialist and Democrat spokesperson on foreign affairs in the European Parliament, says he believes that the visit could send a signal, both to conservatives and reformers in the country of the European Parliament's sincerity, towards lifting sanctions compared with the U.S. Congress and in helping the country to open up, if a deal is achieved.
Richard Howitt MEP said:
"Clearly the negotiations are proceeding in Vienna but the talks this weekend can contribute to a climate of confidence building which can make the very difficult concessions which need to be made perhaps a little easier."
"The meetings in the Iranian Majles in particular will allow us to meet some of the critics of the negotiations, and seek to demonstrate our own firm resolve, but also good faith towards a potential new relationship with the country.
"The S&D Group has consistently asked for dialogue including through the opening of an EU representation in Tehran itself, and believes Iran must be engaged both in the interests of its own people and in working towards conflict resolution across the wider region.
"Of course there are deep concerns, which will be right for the European members to raise, but the timing of this visit is no co-incidence given the importance and proximity of the deadline for achieving a nuclear deal."
The European delegation is scheduled to meet Iran's vice-president, foreign minister, senior members of the Majles (parliament), officials responsible for human rights and drugs control, and civil society representatives.
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