European Parliament Supports Tougher Sanctions Against Iran

On Thursday, the European Parliament voted in support of new, tougher sanctions against Iran - including gradually banning imports of Iranian crude oil and freezing assets of the Iranian central bank in EU countries. The sanctions are aimed at brining Iran to hold negotiations about its nuclear program, as there's growing concern Iran could be developing nuclear weapons.

 

[Charles Tannock, Member of the European Parliament]: 

“We have now found strong evidence that there is enriched uranium to at least 20% and maybe 50%, which is far higher level of enrichment than what you need for a civilian, peaceful nuclear power program. This is heading towards military grade uranium.”

 

The goal of the sanctions is also to get Iran to respect the United Nations Security Council resolutions and the orders from the International Atomic Energy Authority. Both have urged Iran to stop its uranium enrichment program. The sanctions are meant to target only the accountable elites of Iran and not the ordinary citizens.

 

[Ana Gomes, European Parliament Member]: 

“On the other hand, we don't want the people of Iran to feel attacked by us. No, this is also for the people of Iran. We also had very clear, supportive message of solidarity, of concrete support on the part of the EU for the people who are fighting for human rights, for freedoms in Iran.” 

 

European Parliament insists on peaceful, diplomatic resolution of the conflict with Iran. However, diplomatic efforts at the UN Security Council have been blocked by the veto from Russia and the Chinese regime. 

 

[Charles Tannock, European Parliament Member]: 

“Well, I think it is regrettable that Russia and China have used the threat of their veto in the Security Council to prevent sanctions occurring of the type that we are now doing from the European Union. Not just the oil embargo, but also on their banks, on selling their gold, on travel arrangements for senior officials in the regime.” 

 

The European Union currently buys about 20% of Iran's oil exports. The countries most affected by the embargo will be Greece, Italy and Spain. However, the EU is planning to find alternative sources for oil for the needs of Europe.

 

NTD, Brussels, Belgium