Relations with Europe Must Be Taken Seriously
How would you assess the visit made by the European parliamentary delegation to Iran and what will the outcome of this visit be?
The old relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Europe have always had ups and downs caused by the political relations between them. Whenever political relations were cold, parliamentary relations were passive and when political relations were active, parliamentary relations were reestablished. During the 6th and 7th parliaments, visits were made between the parliaments of Iran and Europe. But these visits stopped during the past few years and were reestablished after the nuclear negotiations between Iran and the P5+1. Following the negotiations held in Lausanne and their continuation to reach a final deal, the European Parliament has begun its activities with Iran’s parliament. These visits can impact political cooperation between Iran and Europe and the more active they become, the more the interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Europe will be provided. These visits have a positive message and can affect Iran-Europe relations and even the nuclear negotiations. The Islamic Republic of Iran has always intended to have active political and parliamentarian cooperation with the EU and European countries whether bilateral or with the 27 countries of the European Union. This depends on the willingness of the EU countries to pursue this path. These visits could bring about economic, political and even security results for both Iran and Europe because, due to Iran’s geopolitical and energy situation and its old relations with Europe, more active and expanded relations can be established between Iran and Europe.
What are Iran and Europe’s capacities for the expansion of relations; capacities which could become a reality through parliamentary visits?
The geopolitical and energy situation and economic cooperation are among Iran and Europe’s mutual capacities. From a geopolitical aspect, Iran is located in a region which could easily provide Europe’s energy needs with the lowest price. Iran is a very strong communication and transit bridge for Europe to provide this continent’s needs for export, transport and energy. The historical background of relations between Iran and Europe in political and economic areas could provide the grounds for more expanded relations. Furthermore, Iran and Europe could have good security cooperation to provide energy, transport and to fight against terrorism and radicalism. Iran and Europe are both aware of these capacities but unfortunately, during the past few years, they were not well utilized except with some European countries which was bilateral. If relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Europe are expanded, these capacities could provide the needs of both sides.
Parliamentary relations have always been considered as the second path to expand diplomatic and political relations between the governments. Will parliamentary relations between Iran and Europe help to improve relations and resolve the nuclear crisis?
Since representatives of the European Parliament represent the people and countries, the legislative council of this union could impact political relations especially the foreign policy of the European countries. When a problem appears in relations between Iran and Europe, all European countries take similar positions against Iran. Examples of these positions can be found in their statements regarding the Iran-Iraq war and the issue of Salman Rushdie wherein all their ambassadors left Iran. But later parliamentary communications and political dialogues between parliaments led to the reestablishment of relations. Thus, the impact of parliamentary relations between Iran and Europe on political relations and encouraging governments to cooperation and closeness of nations is aimed at providing the interests, friendship and peaceful coexistence. It could also affect the nuclear negotiations. Europe plays a significant role in the nuclear case and its 5+1 members. The role played by the EU Chief of Foreign Policy in these negotiations is important. Any agreement reached in the nuclear case in Europe will be agreed upon by all members of the European Union because the decision is made collectively. Negotiations led by Solana, Ashton and now Mogherini show that the European countries within the framework of the EU give importance to the parliament’s view of cooperation with Iran and making a collective decision. When negotiations were led by Mr. Solana, Europe intended to resolve the nuclear issue but due to a lack of mutual understanding and certain obstacles which the US had created in this path, the nuclear dossier went to the Security Council from Europe.
I remember that in 2006 and 2007, the parliamentary friendship groups of Iran and Europe played an effective role in encouraging countries to resolve the nuclear issue. As the head of the parliament’s friendship group, I led a delegation from the parliament to Europe and we met with Mr. Solana and made several speeches in the European Parliament. Later the Europeans and Mr. Solana himself expressed their willingness for the nuclear dossier to remain in Europe so that they could help in reaching a satisfactory solution for both sides. But at that juncture, the US exerted pressure on Europe and Iran did not want the US to be the negotiating party of Europe with Iran. It was obvious that Mr. Solana was hesitant that Iran’s nuclear case be sent to the Security Council because that measure would bring numerous problems including the adoption of resolutions in this council which gradually expanded the circle of sanctions and increased pressures on Iran. At that time, the Europeans did not want the US’ role to be more significant than Europe. Perhaps, one of our strategic mistakes was that we did not make greater efforts for this case to remain in Europe. Therefore, under the present conditions, more importance should be given to Europe because the European Parliament, as an effective political pole, intends to maintain its role and relations with other countries including Iran and for these relations to not be under the unilateral policies of the US. During the past few years, Europe has suffered from the US’ unilateral policies. I believe that the more we promote Europe’s role in negotiations and welcome the European Parliament and its cooperation, the more we could create a balance in our relations with Europe and the P5+1.