Iran defense might not open to talks, compromise: Qassemi

Iran defense might not open to talks, compromise: Qassemi
PRESSTV IRAN Mon Nov 14, 2016 5:40PM
http://presstv.com/Detail/2016/11/14/493585/Iran-European-Union-Bahram-Qassemi-missile-JCPOA

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman says the Islamic Republic’s missile
power is a matter of defense, which is not open to any negotiations or
compromise at all.

“Iran’s missile tests are carried out within the framework of the country’s
defense policies and Iran’s defense capabilities are not open to negotiation
or compromise at all,” Bahram Qassemi said on Monday in reaction to a
statement issued by the European Union’s foreign ministers in Brussels on
Monday.

In their statement, the EU foreign ministers expressed concern over Iran’s
missile program and called upon the Islamic Republic to refrain from
activities “which may deepen mistrust, such as ballistic missile tests,
which they say are inconsistent with” the Security Council Resolution 2231
and the associated statements.

Iran has repeatedly announced that its missile launches are not against the
UN Security Council Resolution 2231 that endorsed a nuclear agreement, known
as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reached between Iran and
the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany on July
14, 2015.

Under the JCPOA, which took effect in January, Iran undertook to put
limitations on its nuclear program in exchange for the removal of
nuclear-related bans imposed against Tehran.

Resolution 2231 (2015) provides for the termination of the provisions of
previous Security Council resolutions on the Iranian nuclear program, and
calls on Iran not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles
designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches
using such ballistic missile technology.

Elsewhere, Qassemi welcomed EU’s keenness to further expand relations with
Iran and the bloc’s reaffirmation of its commitment to the JCPOA but called
for the complete removal of banking restrictions.

“Despite considerable achievements made at different levels of cooperation
and the existing enormous potential to deepen and expand relations, the
definitive settlement of banking issues will be a key and decisive factor in
the expansion of trade and economic cooperation and the implementation of
joint projects,” the Iranian spokesperson said.

The EU statement had said it would keep pushing to restore ties with Iran in
line with the JCPOA, adding, “The European Union reiterates its resolute
commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.”

“The European Union reiterates the need for continued full and effective
implementation of the JCPOA throughout the lifetime of the agreement,” the
bloc’s foreign ministers said.

“The European Union is committed to support the full and effective
implementation of the JCPOA including by the lifting of nuclear related
economic and financial sanctions and engaging with the private sector and
economic operators, especially banks, to promote growth in trade and
investment.”

Also in his comments, Qassemi said the EU should take “practical measures”
to advance the processes of Iran joining the World Trade Organization.

He also dismissed allegations leveled by the EU over the human rights
situation in Iran and expressed the country’s readiness to hold mutual talks
on the issue in a peaceful atmosphere.

The spokesman said Iran has always played a decisive role in establishing
stability and security in the region and made great efforts to solve the
existing crises in the Middle East through peaceful and political
approaches.

Source: http://www.imra.org.il/story.php3?id=71744