EU FOREIGN ministers escalated pressure on Iran over its nuclear programme, imposing tough new sanctions which go beyond the reach of existing UN penalties.
The ministers approved the sanctions against Iranian oil, gas and financial interests yesterday as they gave the go-ahead to foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton to make appointments to the new EU diplomatic corps.
A small number of Irish diplomats are in contention as she conducts face-to-face interviews this week with 90 candidates shortlisted to lead 30 of the EU’s 136 diplomatic missions, it is understood.
“I think today we sent quite a powerful message to Iran and that message is that their nuclear programme is a cause of serious and growing concern to us,” Ms Ashton told reporters last evening.
The EU’s objective is to “persuade” Iran to return to the talks table, she said. The EU and its allies do not believe Iranian claims its nuclear programme is for civilian use only, arguing all signs point to weapon building.
“We want a solution that will enable us all to have confidence in the civilian nature of the programme,” Ms Ashton.
As Tehran unexpectedly said it was prepared to return to talks on a nuclear fuel swap, Ms Ashton gave a guarded welcome. “As far as I can see this is to be welcomed . . . but we need to study the details,” she said.
The new sanctions, expected to come into force today, focus on the prevention of oil and gas investment, stopping dealings with Iranian banks and insurers, preventing financial transfers and curtailing aviation sector activities.
“They target people, companies and sectors, directly and indirectly involved in Iran’s nuclear programmes in making, transporting, financing and supporting those programmes,” Ms Ashton said.
Through ongoing contacts with the Turkish government she wants measures taken to prevent Turkish companies undermining the EU sanctions by filling the commercial vacuum they leave.
Minister of State for Europe Dick Roche, who represented the Government, said the sanctions would have no impact on Irish companies. “Our trade with Iran at the moment is very, very, very low,” he said. “I do not think from my own contacts with them the Iranians are unconscious of the fact that they have to get some sort of normality into their future with Europe and the rest of the world.
“Iran is not in a happy place and what we have to do is to try and make it clear to them that we want to take them away from where they are, to get them back into a normal relationship with the world community.”
Ms Ashton said Israel should facilitate exports from Gaza and imports of raw materials, and called on both Israel and Hamas to avoid provocation. At issue is the unwinding in September of a partial freeze on the construction of new Israeli settlements.
Indirect proximity talks under US mediator George Mitchell are due to conclude when the suspension ends, but there is little sign of a breakthrough that would lead to direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians.