Today the European Parliament is debating the recent confrontation
between Iran and the US, and the role the EU could play to
de-escalate it. The Socialists and Democrats call on all sides for
restraint to prevent further escalation in the region and beyond,
and urge EU member states to show their commitment to democracy and
unity in Iraq, and to do their utmost to safeguard the Iran Nuclear
Deal (JCPOA). S&D vice-president for foreign affairs,
Kati Piri, said: “In a...Request free trial
Today the European Parliament is debating the recent
confrontation between Iran and the US, and the role the EU could
play to de-escalate it. The Socialists and Democrats call on all
sides for restraint to prevent further escalation in the region and
beyond, and urge EU member states to show their commitment to
democracy and unity in Iraq, and to do their utmost to safeguard
the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA).
S&D vice-president for foreign affairs, Kati Piri,
said:
“In a long series of provocations since the reckless US
withdrawal from the JCPOA, the assassination of Iranian General
Soleimani created a very dangerous spiral of instability in the
region. It is of utmost importance to support EU High
Representative Borrell’s efforts aimed at de-escalation and to save
the nuclear agreement with Iran.
“With ever more diverging interests within the transatlantic
alliance and the US withdrawal from the region, the time has come
for a realistic debate on Europe’s strategic autonomy to safeguard
our own security and interests.
“We pay our solidarity to the families of the victims of the
downed Ukrainian plane and urge Iranian authorities to allow
international observers to undertake a full and transparent
investigation. Furthermore, Iran must refrain from the use of force
against the peaceful demonstrators who took to the streets to
protest against the regime’s incompetence, mismanagement and
authoritarianism. We urge Iranian authorities to listen to their
legitimate demands and engage in a genuine dialogue on political
and social rights of the Iranian people.
“Finally, the EU must continue and if necessary step up its
support for unity and democracy in Iraq. That means reinforcing its
security sector reform mission to the country, as well as
supporting actions against the resurgence of the Islamic State
threat.”
Tonino Picula, S&D coordinator in the committee on
foreign affairs, added:
“General Soleimani was definitely guilty of many atrocities,
particularly in Syria, where his efforts shored up the brutal
regime of Bashar al-Assad. Nevertheless, the killing of a
high-ranking official of a foreign country opened up Pandora’s Box
in the region.
“The EU must stay united behind High Representative Josep
Borrell and work with all the responsible international parties,
particularly in the region, in order to urgently promote diplomatic
solutions and preserve the Iran Nuclear Deal. It is crucial not
only for the security of the region, but also for our continent’s
security. We must ensure that Iran returns to the full
implementation of its obligations under the JCPOA. This means using
diplomatic and technical tools to protect European companies from
the US sanctions so they keep investments in Iran, and Iranian
people feel the benefits from the deal.”
