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Brussels, Nov 20, IRNA -- Chris Patten, has called for a more matured relationship between the European bloc and Iran.
''Iran is a hugely important player, its ancient pre-Islamic civilization, the clout it has in the region. It should be encouraged to play a responsible role in the region, for example in the Middle East,'' the EU Commissioner for external relations told journalists ahead of a meeting with Iranian foreign minister Dr. Kamal Kharrazi in Brussels Tuesday evening.
Patten said it would be valuable if Iran would make a more responsible contribution regionally and that the EU and Iran develop a more mature relationship.
''We would like to see it contribute to rebuilding stability and prosperity of Afghanistan.''
He said the EU would like to see Iran welcome foreign investment and create a climate to attract more foreign investment.
The EU Commissioner said that human rights dialogue with a partner is not a way of sweeping difficult issues under the carpet.
The human rights dialogue that we have with China that we will have with Iran is based on mutual respect, he noted.
''But we do need to get somewhere. It doesn't mean that we are parking the issue of human rights,'' he said, adding that he hoped Iran would soon allow UN human rights rapporteurs into the country.
''If we get all these kinds of things done, will the world be a happier safer place?''. Patten said he thought it will be.
''We are aware of the struggle between the reformists and those who are against reform in Iran,'' he said.
Patten underlined that the human rights dialogue with Iran, the trade and cooperation agreement, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, cooperation on fight against terrorism are all linked together.
He said that we are aware that the Iranians want to discuss judicial affairs with the EU. They were also aware of the Iranian supreme leader's remarks on the Aghajari case.
''It doesn't surprise me to hear an Iranian leader talking about our cultural differences.''
However, Patten warned that ''if we see that our dialogue is not going anywhere, we have to pull the plug with consequences elsewhere.''
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