Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb. 18 / Trend , D.Ibrahimova, T.Jafarov /
Ex-German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's visit to Iran has no political motive. However, the Iranian nuclear program and expansion of trade ties between the two countries could be reviewed.
"Schroeder's visit has a private character, and they could discuss political issues," German expert on Iran Johannes Reissner said to Trend .
Schroeder planned to visit Iran in February.
Experts think that the present Chancellor Angela Merkel instructed Schroeder to negotiate with Iran.
The U.S. and other countries fear that Iran will develop nuclear weapons. However, Tehran rejects these accusations and claims that the program has a peaceful object and aimed to meet the energy needs of the country. The UN Security Council adopted five resolutions on Iran, three of which included economic sanctions. The U.S. insisted on military solution of the nuclear problem before the replacement of the White House administration. Schroeder opposes any military way of settlement of the problem.
According to experts, Iran's nuclear program could be discussed during Schroeder's unofficial visit to this country, but no promotion should expect from Iran.
"The main talks on Iran's nuclear program are being held by German officials. Therefore, there is no need for a secret talks with Iranian officials," Iranian expert on nuclear program Said Yari said to Trend .
Italian ex-Prime Minister Romano Prody also visited Teheran to discuss the Iran's nuclear program and develop relationship between the two countries. Yari believes that Schroeder's visit to Iran will be the issue for discussions, given not bad relations with Iran.
Schroeder's sharp position against U.S. assault on Iraq and closeness with Iran during Mohammad Khatami's governing gave him advantages in the eyes of Iran, German expert on Iran Jamsheed Farroughi said to Trend .
During the visit, Schroeder can discuss with Iran economic and trade relations, as well as issues to ensure regional security, the Organization for Protection Iran's National Interests Secretary General Yari said.
Germany is the hugest trade partner of Iran amongst the European countries. The German export to Iran increased by 19.5 percent in January-November compared to the same period in 2007.
According to data of the German Export Supervision Department, 39 contracts were signed in 2008 to deliver dual purpose products, equipment and technology which can be used in both peace and military purposes.
Although a nuclear issue is Schroeder's key business, it is difficult to speak about its success during his visit, because it is unknown with whom he will meet, German Strategic Research Centre Expert Reissner told Trend in a telephone conversation.
Schroeder's visit aims to deliver the West's message on cancelling sanctions on Iran instead of its stopping the nuclear development program, German Deutsche Welle radio Persian Desk Head Farroughi said.
If the West supports to establish relations with Iran, there will not be any difference whether German official or non-official goes to Iran, he said.
But, if Iran does not change its position, Europe, perhaps, will refuse from negotiations to settle the Iranian nuclear problem and impose more serious sanctions on Tehran.
Europe did not use all pressure means on Iran and if the country refuses from the negotiations, new sanctions will be imposed on Iran which will damage the country's trade sector, Farroughi said.
Germany has opportunities to assist U.S. in negotiations with Iran, but it will not mediate in this process.
Germany can assist U.S. in establishing relations with Iran, but it will not mediate between the countries, Reissner said.
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