Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the SR Juraj Blanár in response to the inclusion of the armed forces of EU member states on the Iranian terrorist list, he said that he expected such a step from Tehran. The head of Slovak diplomacy spoke during his visit to Indonesia, where he opened an honorary consulate on the island of Bali on Monday. The TASR special reporter informs about it.
- Blanár considers Iran’s reaction to the EU to be expected and not surprising.
- Tehran placed EU armed forces on a terrorist list following the Union’s move against the IRGC.
- Blanár drew attention to the possible consequences of sanctions against the Iranian IRGC Guards.
- The minister hopes for a diplomatic solution and maintaining communication between Iran and the West.
- Slovakia temporarily moved its embassy from Tehran to Azerbaijan.
Tehran responded to Thursday’s meeting of the Union’s foreign ministers by including the EU armed forces on the list of terrorist groups. who agreed to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization for its role in suppressing recent nationwide protests in the country.
Blanár emphasized that he was drawing attention to the consideration of all the consequences of including the IRGC on the list of terrorist groups, since the Iranian Guards are connected in all layers of society and influence the state and its economy.
“Of course we condemn the violent suppression of protests that happened in Iran, but I raised this sensitive issue. Nevertheless, I agreed because it is necessary that we have an appropriate response,” said Blanár. “I expected the Iranian side to retaliate, but I firmly believe that the situation will not escalate in Iran and that the United States will not use force,” he emphasized.
At the same time, the minister expressed the hope that there will be a diplomatic solution and an agreement regarding Iran that will ensure normal communication between Iran, the EU, the US and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The head of Slovak diplomacy also reminded that the Slovak Republic has already temporarily moved its embassy in Tehran to neighboring Azerbaijan to ensure the safety of its personnel.
