One of the most recent tensions in the very sensitive and often-fragile relationship between Iran and Britain has been the nuclear issue. This has been to an extent that the issue now overshadows the overall ties between the two countries. The burden of proof has been laboured upon Iran by a number of Western governments including Britain. Other incidents have interrupted the process of further developing constructive relations and dialogue, however “the nuclear issue is infinitely more important” (Lord Temple Morris in his July Interview with British Persian Media).
Therefore, British Persian Media as a news organisation that deals exclusively with British-Iranian relations, is determined to play a role in clarifying the issues at hand for both countries through the provision of information and interaction between British and Iranian media. Hopefully the result could ease the current tension.
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A senior member of the Iranian parliament (Majlis) and also the Head of the Iranian Majlis' Research Centre, Dr Ahmad Tavakkoli met with the new German ambassador to Tehran, Baron Von Matelson to discuss the recent nuclear dispute between Iran and the West.
The Iranian MP outlined Iran's nuclear policy in two points, 'continued national independent technology' and 'avoiding proliferation of nuclear weapons' - Majlis Research Centre reported on its website.
Tavakkoli demonstrated at the lack of consent on the European side regarding the issue, pointing to a EU double standard towards Iran's nuclear activities and that of Israel. 'Israel easily embarks on making nuclear weapons, while we are witness to no stance against it', he said.
The Iranian official compared Israel's conduct in the face of international decisions with those of Iran and considered Iran as more trustworthy, mentioning Iran's stance in accepting the UN resolution 598 and at the time of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. 'It is natural for Iran to expect a more appropriate attitude from the European sides', the influential parliamentary deputy argued.
The argument of double standard in Tavakkoli's comments raised denial from the German official, who said, 'Israel differs with other countries in the region, because many of them, mostly Iran, have yet to recognize it.
Does the status quo provide an excuse for Israel to have nuclear weapons? Tavakkoli asked, in an immediate reaction to the German official's argument. Motelsan took turn saying 'Israel, under the special situation it experiences, feels justified to defend itself with nuclear weapons, but since Iran has signed up to the NPT in 1968, we must make it clear that Iran has no intention of making nuclear weapons and only seeks peaceful energy'.
The envoy reminded the Sa’dabad negotiation and described it as an initiative to help Iran attain the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. 'This right shall not appear worrisome to the world', he said, however expressing concern on Iran’s continued uranium enrichment.
'There is little distance between peaceful and hostile use of nuclear energy in the eyes of the Europeans', he said, urging the Iranians to quit the uranium enrichment in a sensitive bid for building trust.
Tavakkoli, for his part, brushed the call aside, saying 'There's a broad, national sentiment in Iran to utilize nuclear technology, so be sure that we will never stop developing the enrichment process'.
Tavakkoli urged the European side to find other ways for continued understandings in relations with Iran.
Dr Ahmad Tavakkoli's official website
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