EU FOREIGN Ministers meeting here yesterday took further diplomatic measures against Iran in the wake of the country's implication in the Mykonos bombing in Berlin. But they agreed that member states could send their ambassador back to Tehran.
The ministers confirmed the ending of "critical dialogue" with Iran and cancelled all ministerial exchanges, confirmed the arms embargo and pledged co-operation to ensure no visas for Iranian intelligence officers.
The representative in Britain and Ireland of the Iranian National Resistance Council, Mrs Beheshtch Shadroo, welcomed the diplomatic moves against Iran but called for the breaking of all diplomatic and trade ties.
Mr Spring said the Irish ambassador would be returning following further consultations.
Ministers opened their debate on reform of the treaty provisions for foreign and security policy which continues today.
Irish diplomats say there is broad support for Irish proposals for a system of constructive abstention in voting. This would be combined with Presidency proposals under which decisions of principle and general strategy would be taken at European Council (heads of government) level by unanimity, while implementation would be decided by qualified majority by foreign ministers. States would retain a veto, however, in cases where vital national interests were at stake.
The Dutch Presidency has submitted a new paper on the issue which includes Franco German proposals for a gradual merger between the EU and the WEU and provides for opt outs for neutrals. "Neutrality" is not mentioned.
Mr Spring maintained his insistence that Ireland could not sign up to such proposals although there are signs of weakening among fellow neutrals.
Chinese attempts to browbeat states which had supported a UN human rights resolution were also debated. Mr Spring welcomed an agreement to warn Beijing that threats to any EU member state are unacceptable.
The Tanaiste regretted the failure of attempts to unblock £400 million in aid to Turkey. The ministers took a small step towards improving relations by holding an association council with the Turkish Foreign Minister, Ms Tansu
Ciller. Greece says it still does not accept Turkish assurances on mediation over disputes in the Aegean. The meeting agreed to set up a high level group to explore Greek-Turkish differences.
David Shanks reports.
Mr Spring, has reiterated his support for self-determination in East Timor. His comments, in a documentary to be shown on RTE tonight, are likely to reopen a bitter dispute with the Indonesian Foreign Minister, Mr Ali Alatas.
In September 1995, Mr Alatas said criticism of Indonesia's East Timor policy by Mr Spring was "almost like a declaration of war". At that time Mr Spring walked out of a meeting with Mr Alatas over the issue.
In the programme Mr Spring also speaks of Ireland's opposition to arms sales "where they may well be used to cause oppression", and of grave concern in relation to the various disappearances, extra judicial executions, and long sentencing policies", since Indonesia's invasion in 1975 of the former Portuguese colony.
The programme will be shown on RTE 1 at 11.05 pm.
