MEPs welcome the elections in Iran

Commenting on the first round of the Iranian twin elections for parliament and the Assembly of Experts Janusz Lewandowski, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iran, welcomed its outcome and said: 

"On behalf of the Delegation, I congratulate the winners of the elections. We look forward the second round and the accomplishment of this important democratic exercise. I do hope for a fruitful and successful cooperation with the newly elected Majlis, which is to be an essential player in the new momentum of the EU/Iranian relationships. We are facing serious security challenges in the Middle East nowadays, therefore it is of the highest importance to seek cooperation and progress not only in economic terms but also on fighting terrorism and bringing back stability to the region. I am sure that Iran can play a key and constructive role in this process" - Mr Lewandowski said.

Ms Marietje Schaake, Member of the Delegation, added: “It is high time that the EU puts human rights such as women’s rights, minorities’ rights and freedom of the press on the agenda. For too long they have been overshadowed by all the attention that went to the nuclear negotiations. The relationship between Iran and the EU must not only be of economic nature. These elections remind us of how social and political rights are still a dream for the Iranian people.”

"I am of the opinion that the result of the election could allow Mr President Rouhani to pursue further rapprochement with Europe and implement some domestic reforms. The Delegation for relations with Iran stands ready to pursue dialogue with its newly elected counterparts in the Majlis of the Islamic Republic of Iran and help in this process" - concluded Mr Lewandowski