The announcement of a nuclear deal in Vienna by foreign ministers with Iran today appears to be one which has 'probity' and which represents a 'victory over the obstructionists on all sides,' say Socialist and Democrat MEPs.
"Given further objections expected in the US Congress, European countries must demonstrate good faith to Iran by showing determination to implement Europe's own obligations," said a joint statement from the S&D Group, president Gianni Pittella MEP, and the S&D Group foreign affairs coordinator, Richard Howitt MEP.
Speaking after the announcement, Gianni Pittella said:
"We consider today’s agreement with Iran on its nuclear programme as a very positive step which could strengthen EU relations with Teheran. This agreement opens new avenues for constructively engaging with Iran on regional security issues, such as our common fight against ISIS/Daesh; the end of civil war in Syria and stabilisation of the situation in Iraq; and Afghanistan.
"The S&D Group congratulates EU high representative Federica Mogherini for the very constructive and effective role she played in steering the talks to this historical agreement. It is a great example of success that Europe's common foreign policy can achieve when there is leadership, common purpose and unwavering commitment to world peace and effective multilateralism.
"Following these positive developments I call on the EU to move quickly in order to establish a permanent delegation in Tehran."
Richard Howitt MEP, who co-chaired the European Parliament delegation aimed at confidence-building with Tehran over the talks, added:
"The fact the deadline came and went and they have still gone on to agree a deal, is a sure sign of the probity of the deal itself.
"As I saw for myself in Tehran, the cost of delay didn't only fall on the United States but on the prospects for Iranian reformists too.
"It isn't just mistrust between the negotiators which has had to be overcome, but outright obstructionists on both sides.
"We can anticipate a rough ride, not only in the US Congress, but in the Majlis too, so it is even more important that European nations send a strong signal for Iran to fully implement the agreement by demonstrating our own good faith to do so too.
"This is a process started by three EU governments, where Europe brokered the participation of the United States and where the EU High Representative has played a decisive role in helping to deliver the final agreement. The deal is partly a diplomatic triumph for the European Union itself and its successful implementation can lead to Europe's full re-engagement with Iran.
"A failure to get a deal could have led one of the powers to military action and could have fuelled a nuclear arms race in the Middle East, but now agreement opens up the prospect for greater security in the whole region."
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