Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
111. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on EU-Iran relations; if his attention has been drawn to reports of a person (detailed supplied) being arrested in Germany in relation to a terror plot; his views on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33532/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe situation in Iran, and our relations with that country, remain high on the EU agenda. At the Foreign Affairs Council in May, there was a discussion on Iran which focused on the continued implementation of the Iran nuclear agreement (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA), following the US announcement of its withdrawal from this agreement. The EU believes in the importance of preserving the JCPOA, which is vital for the security of the region and the wider world. The Council expressed continued support for the JCPOA as long as Iran continues to abide by its commitments, which according to 11 consecutive reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency, it is doing. The EU High Representative, Federica Mogherini, chaired the first ministerial meeting of the Joint Commission on the JCPOA on 6 July, in a sign of the importance the participants ascribe to the deal and their full commitment to its continued implementation. All parties agreed to continue working on concrete measures to mitigate the impact of the decision by the US to withdraw. Discussions were also held around finding practical solutions that aim to protect the trade and economic relations with Iran that were agreed as part of the JCPOA. Beyond the nuclear issue, the EU is critical of a number of other aspects of Iranian policy. We have serious concerns in particular about Iran’s ballistic missile programme, and its regional activity, including in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, where its role is exacerbating and prolonging conflicts. The EU is also deeply troubled by the human rights situation in Iran, including the widespread use of the death penalty, especially against minors. However, we continue to support the JCPOA, since we strongly believe that it will not help to address these concerns, if we move away from the one area where significant progress has been made.
In relation to the case raised by the Deputy, I am aware of reports about it. I condemn in the strongest terms any attempts to commit violence or acts of terrorism. However, as the situation is subject to an ongoing criminal investigation in another jurisdiction, it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further on the matter.
