EU turn: Iranian Pasdaran designated as a terrorist organisation
New sanctions against the government after the crackdown on popular protests, but EU High Representative Kaja Kallas distances herself from US threats of military intervention: 'The region does not need another war'
from our correspondent Beda Romano
BRUSSELS - The European Union's Foreign Ministers decided yesterday on a new round of sanctions against the Iranian government following the crackdown on popular demonstrations that have bloodied the country in recent weeks. Among the measures was the inclusion of the Guardians of the Revolution on the list of terrorist entities. Meanwhile, the Twenty-Seven have distanced themselves from a possible US intervention against Iran.
"One cannot not respond to repression," explained High Representative Kaja Kallas in Brussels. "Any regime that kills thousands of its own citizens is working towards its own demise." Among other things, the new sanction measures affect 21 individuals - 15 individuals and six entities - involved in the violent repression of the recent protests in the country. These include the Minister of Interior, Eskandar Momeni. The sanctions include the freezing of assets and a travel ban to Europe.
Change of pace on a controversial issue
As for the inclusion of the Guardians of the Revolution in the list of terrorist entities (along with Hamas and Al Qaeda) we are faced with a change of pace, as the topic has traditionally been controversial. In commenting on the choice, the Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani was keen to emphasise: 'This does not mean that we should not continue to dialogue, that we should not continue to talk'. That said, Rome has reduced its diplomatic presence in Iran by half.
"Today a political decision was made. So there is no already automatic inclusion' of the Pasdaran in the European list of terrorist organisations, the minister specified, 'because there will have to be the whole more technical part to be developed, while as far as sanctions are concerned, these are already operative'. For his part, the German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul was more assertive: 'The decision taken today represents a strong and long overdue political signal'.
Organisation 'director' of repression
Numerous humanitarian organisations accuse the Guardians of the Revolution of having orchestrated the bloody repression of the vast protest movement that has rocked the country, causing thousands of deaths. Iran, for its part, has already warned of 'destructive consequences' should the European Union decide to proceed against the Pasdaran (a move that might have a limited impact, however, as the Guardians are already subject to European sanctions).
