Iran: Unprecedented Sanctions With an Open Door for Dialogue
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Foreign Minister Westerwelle in Brussels
(© picture alliance/dpa)
European Union foreign ministers agreed Monday to implement further sanctions against Iran as a result of Iran continuing its nuclear program. The possibility of a nuclear arming of Iran cannot be accepted, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said in Brussels before the meeting. Iran continues to refuse to cooperate with the international community and to adhere to its international obligations. An atomic arming would not only threaten the situation in the region but also the entire world.
At the same time, the door to dialogue remains open, Westerwelle continued. The sanctions can be lifted at any time if there is international cooperation and transparency on the part of Iran.
The council of foreign ministers decided on a tightening of existing sanctions against Iran. These are aimed at the financial sources of the nuclear program and consist of an embargo on Iranian oil imports into the EU as well as financial actions against the Iranian central bank.
Also on Monday, the foreign ministers expanded the sanctions against Syria. Twenty-two people and eight entities were added to the list of those whose assets in the EU are frozen and who are banned from entering the EU.
Catherine Ashton, EU high representative for foreign affairs, said this decision would raise the pressure on those who are responsible for the unacceptable violence and repression in Syria. The EU will continue to do all it can to help the people of Syria achieve their legitimate political rights.
Foreign Minister Westerwelle welcomed the Arab League taking their responsibility in the Syria question seriously. He supports the Arab League in making the abuse and repression in Syria a topic of the Security Council in New York.
