The EU’s special representative for human rights stated that Iran’s intransigence is preventing a positive role it could play in achieving peace in Yemen. The envoy also reviewed new EU measures to punish Iran for killing civilians and the 22-year-old Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini.
Eamon Gilmore voiced concern about what is happening to peaceful demonstrators in Iran and the Internet shutdown. He demanded the Iranian government block attacks against protesters, release those detained during the unrest, and allow for the free flow of information.
“EU member states, the European Parliament, civil society, and people are united in their objection to the way Iran deals with protesting citizens,” Gilmore told Asharq Al-Awsat in Riyadh.
“We have prepared a package of traditional measures against some of those who participated in the killings,” he added.
Regarding the status quo in Yemen, Gilmore said: “We are concerned about the violation of human rights, and we view the humanitarian situation with great pity.”
“We have provided more than 2 billion euros for this purpose,” he added.
Gilmore urged Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen to stop their drone attacks on citizens to maintain the truce and pave the way for peace.
The EU is working with all parties, but Iran is not helping peace and resolution to the crisis in Yemen, noted Gilmore, reiterating the bloc’s support for the efforts of Hans Grundberg, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen.
As for the EU’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, Gilmore said it is comprehensively developing and referred to senior officials visiting the Kingdom.
“Saudi-European relations are strategic relations that have been developing with time at all levels,” said Gilmore.
“There are visits at the highest levels to Saudi Arabia, whereby President of the European Council Charles Michel and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell visited the Kingdom recently,” he added.
Gilmore revealed that the EU has finally adopted a general strategy toward the Gulf region, where Saudi Arabia is considered a leader.
“There are close relations that include economic, trade and energy relations,” added Gilmore, explaining that areas of cooperation span over the climate, security and stability and human rights.
“The issue of human rights is a matter of concern to all the peoples of the world, and this is what we are doing with other countries,” said Gilmore.
Regarding discussions he held in Riyadh, Gilmore said they focused on human rights and regional security and stability.
