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Three visiting EU FMs express their view at a press conference

IRNA

Tehran, Oct 21, IRNA -- In a joint press conference with his British 
and German counterparts here on Tuesday, the French Foreign Minister 
Dominique de Villepin underlined the significance of this day for 
Germany, Britain and France as well as Iran and Europe. 
The minister added given the significance of the issue, the 
international community is now facing a great challenge. 
De Villepin appreciated the Secretary of the Supreme National 
Security Council (SNSC) Hassan Rowhani for the warm welcome and the 
meetings of today. 
"At the meetings, agreements were reached on the three pivotal 
issues of signing and quick implementation of the nuclear 
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Additional Protocol, Iran`s full 
cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and 
suspension of all its uranium enrichment and its recycling within the 
country," he added. 
He hoped that the agreements will mark a promising beginning for 
Iran, the IAEA and international community. 
Referring to the correct steps being taken to the effect, de 
Villepin noted that Britain, Germany and France feel committed to take
measures in coordination with other European countries. 
For his part, the British Foreign Minister Jack Straw, echoing the
remarks of his French counterpart, said that the visit took place at 
the invitation of Iranian officials in view of their concerns over the
nuclear program currently underway in the country. 
"Fortunately, it turned out to enable us protect mutual respect as
well as the dignity and independence of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 
"The dignity and independence of all countries, including Iran, is
significant for us and this has been pointed out in the joint 
statement issued at the end of today`s negotiations," he added. 
He reiterated that the EU countries have no intention of violating
Iran`s dignity, security and independence. 
"All EU member states have already inked and implemented the 
Additional Protocol without having their security, dignity and 
independence violated," he added. 
Straw noted that the agreement reached today is a step towards 
signing the NPT Additional Protocol by Iran and welcomed Iran as one 
of the signatories of the protocol. 
The British minister also expressed satisfaction over Iran`s 
agreement to stop its uranium enrichment process. 
The German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer also underlined the 
importance of this day, given the accord reached on a very crucial 
matter. 
"We feel ourselves committed to settle the problems. Today`s 
agreement is a serious starting point for the settlement of the 
difficulties facing Iran and the international community and helps 
restore further stability in the region," he added. 
He noted that signing and quick implementation of the Additional 
Protocol, suspension of the process of uranium enrichment and its 
recycling by Iran is highly important. 
Fischer stressed, "We are honest and outspoken." 
MP/AH/210 
End