AFP: Relations between the European Union and Iran have reached a “critical stage” with Tehran’s threat to resume uranium conversion work, the European Union’s executive commission said Wednesday.
“With regard to Iran-EU relations, we have reached a critical stage in our relations and this week will be crucial to the development of the relations of the EU with Iran,” said commission spokesman Stefaan De Rynck. AFP
BRUSSELS – Relations between the European Union and Iran have reached a “critical stage” with Tehran’s threat to resume uranium conversion work, the European Union’s executive commission said Wednesday.
“With regard to Iran-EU relations, we have reached a critical stage in our relations and this week will be crucial to the development of the relations of the EU with Iran,” said commission spokesman Stefaan De Rynck.
“We are very concerned by the news we have heard about possible reopening of proceedings at the Isfahan nuclear plant,” he added.
Iran said earlier it hoped to resume limited nuclear activities at a uranium conversion facility on Wednesday despite the risks of triggering an international crisis.
The European Union and United States on Tuesday issued sharp warnings to Tehran over its threats to resume the sensitive nuclear fuel work, a move that could risk Iran being hauled before the UN Security Council for possible sanctions.
Britain, France and Germany have been working to convince Tehran to abandon its nuclear work and have offered trade and nuclear co-operation incentives.
The European Commission’s role is limited to cooperation on trade issues although that “will depend on global political progress in negotiations”, De Rynck said.
