EU Considers Ministerial Visit to Iran LONDON -- Britain's Foreign Office Junior Minister Derek Fatchett LONDON -- Britain's Foreign Office Junior Minister Derek Fatchett
June 27, 1998 - 0:0
EU Considers Ministerial Visit to Iran LONDON -- Britain's Foreign Office Junior Minister Derek Fatchett LONDON -- Britain's Foreign Office Junior Minister Derek Fatchett says that the European Union is prepared to look "receptively and optimistically" at the possibility of a ministerial visit to Tehran, but doubts if it will take place during the UK preside He also says that Britain is "very keen" to improve bilateral relations with Iran and is "willing to start the process" of trying to clear outstanding differences between the two countries.
Speaking at a press conference in London Thursday, Fatchett said that the UK can "claim some credit" for the renewal of dialogue between the EU and Iranian officials, which occurred during its six-month presidency. The 15-nation group, he said, was now looking for arrangements at official level to continue the dialogue. He hoped it would during the UK presidency, but said with "time was running out," it may have to pass to the Austrian presidency, which starts next Wednesday. The minister, who is responsible for Middle East affairs, said that the EU was keen to engage constructively with Iran on clearing up a "very substantial undergrowth" of issues.
"If we are in a position where we can take that constructive dialogue forward with a ministerial visit, we shall look at that receptively and optimistically," he said, but added that the EU was "not at that point yet." In answer to a question from IRNA about bilateral relations, Fatchett said that the UK would be "very keen to look for ways," which they could improve.
He said that he could not see a "satisfactory new relationship until the Rushdie issue has been resolved," which was peculiar and unique to the UK. The differences, he suggested, could be settled if the Iranian government distanced itself from the bounty on the head of the apostate author, which has been offered by the 15th Khordad Foundation. Iran needs to "make clear that it no longer subscribes to the view that there is a price on the head of Salman Rushdie," Fatchett said, without mentioning of previous calls that the Fatwa, pronounced by the late Imam Khomeini, could in some way be revoked .
He added that Britain was "willing to start the process of trying to clear" bilateral disputes. It was important that the willingness for a real dialogue was on both sides, he said, but suggested that it was Iran that was not yet forthcoming. (IRNA)
Speaking at a press conference in London Thursday, Fatchett said that the UK can "claim some credit" for the renewal of dialogue between the EU and Iranian officials, which occurred during its six-month presidency. The 15-nation group, he said, was now looking for arrangements at official level to continue the dialogue. He hoped it would during the UK presidency, but said with "time was running out," it may have to pass to the Austrian presidency, which starts next Wednesday. The minister, who is responsible for Middle East affairs, said that the EU was keen to engage constructively with Iran on clearing up a "very substantial undergrowth" of issues.
"If we are in a position where we can take that constructive dialogue forward with a ministerial visit, we shall look at that receptively and optimistically," he said, but added that the EU was "not at that point yet." In answer to a question from IRNA about bilateral relations, Fatchett said that the UK would be "very keen to look for ways," which they could improve.
He said that he could not see a "satisfactory new relationship until the Rushdie issue has been resolved," which was peculiar and unique to the UK. The differences, he suggested, could be settled if the Iranian government distanced itself from the bounty on the head of the apostate author, which has been offered by the 15th Khordad Foundation. Iran needs to "make clear that it no longer subscribes to the view that there is a price on the head of Salman Rushdie," Fatchett said, without mentioning of previous calls that the Fatwa, pronounced by the late Imam Khomeini, could in some way be revoked .
He added that Britain was "willing to start the process of trying to clear" bilateral disputes. It was important that the willingness for a real dialogue was on both sides, he said, but suggested that it was Iran that was not yet forthcoming. (IRNA)