(IRNA) The European Union reiterated Monday its Commitment to resolve the nuclear issue through diplomatic means and to build long-term partnership with the Islamic Republic if Tehran suspends all enrichment-related activities.
"We remain committed to a diplomatic solution, and the ideas put to Iran remain on the table. Should Iran decide to suspend all its enrichment-related activities and to implement the Additional Protocol the way to negotiation would be reopened and action in the Security Council could be suspended," said EU Foreign Ministers in a statement this afternoon, reports Trend.
The EU Foreign Ministers Council discussed Iran over lunch during their regular monthly meeting in Brussels Monday.
"The EU remains committed to building a long-term relationship with Iran based on confidence and cooperation. Such a development will depend on progress on all issues of concern which include terrorism, Iran's approach to the Middle East peace process and regional issues," said the statement.
The Council, however, expressed its "deep disappointment that Iran has not responded positively " to the offer of negotiations put to it on 6 June by the EU High Representative Javier Solana following agreement between France, Germany, UK, China, Russia and the US, and with the full support of the European Union.
"These are far-reaching proposals for a long-term agreement which would provide Iran with everything it needs to develop a modern civil nuclear power programme. They would open the way to a new relationship with Iran based on mutual respect and expanded co-operation in political and economic fields, while meeting international concerns about the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme," noted the statement.