Russia Slams EU's “Dual Approaches” Toward Iran

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov on Monday criticized the European Union for its “dual approaches” toward Iran.
“The EU must rise above its dual approaches when they try not to annoy the Americans, and to do something so that Iran sees real efforts, and to make the right choice by deciding in favor of real cooperation,” RIA Novosti news agency quoted Ryabkov as saying, Xinhua reported.
Speaking to reporters after a reception in Iran’s Embassy in Moscow, Ryabkov said the EU and a number of its members have applied restrictions on Iran against the rules of international law and UN Security Council’s resolutions.
He said the demands of European countries to reduce or close the Iranian missile program resulted from their “desire to please the Americans”.
Russia finds it unacceptable and will explain the “fallacy and harmfulness” of such a course at a meeting of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Tehran’s nuclear program, which is expected to be held in March, he said.
The nuclear deal restricts Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for the easing of sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

Better Than Nothing 

Ryabkov recalled that European countries have taken measures to create conditions for normal economic cooperation with Iran, including the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX) mechanism.
Last week, the EU announced the establishment of INSTEX by Britain, Germany and France to secure trade with Iran and skirt United States' anti-Iran sanctions after Washington pulled out of the 2015 landmark Iranian nuclear deal last May.
Admitting that something is better than nothing, Ryabkov said the authors of this mechanism could not ensure its opening for third countries, such as Russia and others who are interested in legal cooperation with Iran.
"Russia will seek full-fledged participation in the activities of this mechanism and continue relevant efforts in direct contacts with the countries concerned," he added.