Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2001-12-12-Speech-3-253"

Predicate	Value (sorted: default)
rdf:type	lpv_eu:Speech2
dcterms:Date	"2001-12-12"^^xsd:date2
dcterms:Is Part Of	lp_eu:EU Relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran2
dcterms:Language	"nl"^^xsd:language2
lpv:document identification number	"en.20011212.8.3-253"2
lpv:hasSubsequent	lp_eu:2001-12-12-Speech-3-2542
lpv:speaker	lp:Bas Belder2
lpv:spokenAs	member; EDD (1999-07-20--2004-07-19)3 unknown; Staatkundig Gereformeerde Partij - Gereformeerd Politiek Verbond - Reformatorisch Politieke Federatie (1999-07-20--2002-03-17)3 member; Members from the European Parliament to the Joint Parliamentary Assembly of the Agreement between the African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the European Union (ACP-EU) (2000-10-05--2002-01-14)3 member; Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy (1999-07-21--2002-01-14)3 vice-chair; Delegation for relations with the United States (1999-07-22--2002-01-14)3 substitute; Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy (1999-07-21--2002-01-14)3
lpv:translated text	"Mr President, as an historian and ex-journalist, I have been quite fascinated by the emergence of, and developments within, the Islamic Republic of Iran over the years. This particularly applies to the country’s internal power struggle which flared up recently. An interesting phenomenon in this connection is that quite a few current reform-minded people were once advocates of the power system they now denounce. It is only natural that the conservative forces in Iran consider this sense of reform as an erosion of the political system. They control the essential positions of power and neutralise reformist initiatives at their discretion. They do not eschew highly repressive means. With this, we have, in fact, outlined the duality in Iranian society. The very detailed report by Mr Gahler analyses this in more detail. We are on the side of the Iranian reformists. They pursue a more open society and openly denounce coercion in religious matters. Their fervent opponents, on the other hand, create an uncertain internal climate. Our hesitation about endorsing a formal trade and cooperation agreement between the EU and Iran is epitomised by two concerns. These are the violations of constitutional rights – think of the beleaguered position of religious minorities in that country – and the material support to terrorist Lebanese and Palestinian organisations. On the other hand, an agreement would give us a formal foundation for addressing Tehran on a permanent basis with regard to the social abuses cited by Mr Gahler. It is of crucial importance, however, that we do not wish to isolate the forces of change internationally in ancient Persia. In fact, this course of action corresponds to the wishes of the majority of the population. Like the reform-minded forces in the Islamic Republic, Iranian citizens are reaching out to the west, to Europe for help. We must lend a truly helping hand."@en1

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