While there is more hope now of a peaceful resolution of the nuclear issue, the Deputy’s Question is a timely reminder that there remain very considerable human rights concerns in relation to Iran, which have generally speaking worsened over the last ten years.
The new Government in Iran has made some welcome statements on improving the protection of human rights in Iran. Ireland and our EU partners would strongly encourage any such moves in Iran, and indeed I have myself discussed with Foreign Minister Zarif the possibility of resuming the EU-Iran Human Rights Dialogue, which was suspended in 2004. My Department has also provided the Iranian Foreign Ministry with information on human rights protection and mechanisms in this country.
Human rights is very much an area where positive words must be followed up with actions and changes on the ground, and this is an area we will continue to monitor closely, along with our EU partners.
The present economic restrictions on Iran relate to the nuclear issue, and there is a prospect now for removing those restrictions if agreement can be reached in that area.
I would hope that progress in these various areas can support each other, in the sense of increasing confidence, leading to better relations generally between Iran and the international community. If there is real commitment to do so on the part of the Iranian authorities, they will not find a response wanting on our part.
