The Strategist

Iran suspends cooperation with EU on human rights, counter-terrorism and refugees



04/13/2021 - 03:44



Following the extension of EU sanctions against Iran, Tehran announced a suspension of cooperation on human rights, refugees, counter-terrorism and drug trafficking.



pixabay
pixabay
In response to the extension of European sanctions, Iran has suspended cooperation with the EU in a number of areas. In particular, the dialogue has been frozen on human rights, counter-terrorism and drug trafficking as well as refugee issues, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Monday, April 12.

The foreign ministry spokesman also said Tehran "strongly condemns" Brussels' extension and expansion of sanctions, considering the move unwarranted. In addition, Iran is considering the possibility of imposing retaliatory sanctions, he further pointed out.

Earlier in the day, the EU Council announced the extension of sanctions against Iran for another year due to ongoing human rights violations. The restrictive measures will remain in place until 13 April 2022, the statement reads.

The blacklist has also been slightly expanded, adding eight more individuals and three organisations in connection with violence against protesters during nationwide protests in November 2019. These include three prisons, as well as high-ranking members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The list thus contains 89 individuals and four entities.

The European Union's sanctions on Iran were introduced in 2011 and have been extended several times since then.

source: dw.de