Reuters AlertNet Lite - EU criticises Iran on rights ahead of nuclear talks

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EU criticises Iran on rights ahead of nuclear talks

25 May 2007 16:50:16 GMT
Source: Reuters

BRUSSELS, May 25 (Reuters) - The European Union attacked Iran's human rights record on Friday and said it was deeply concerned about injustices there, just days before sensitive talks between Tehran and the EU over its nuclear programme.

The 27-member bloc highlighted recent arrests of activists including women's rights campaigners, and allegations of intimidation of teachers, union members, academics and journalists.

"The European Union is deeply concerned by recent developments in the human rights situation in Iran," said the statement from the German EU Presidency.

It said stricter dress codes for men and women were being imposed by force, and noted closure of three offices of non-governmental organisations and ethnic discrimination.

The statement also expressed concern about use of the death penalty, and noted the April execution of a man who was only 16 at the time he had committed his crime.

It was released days before EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana was expected to meet Iranian nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani to assess the scope for returning to negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme.

The West suspects the programme is aimed at producing nuclear weapons, but Iran says it is solely to generate electricity.

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Last updated:Fri May 25 16:51:53 2007