ARABS-EUROPEAN - Oct. 13 - EU Attacks Iran's Human Rights Record.

The EU attacks Iran's human rights record but does not agree to table or co-sponsor a UN General Assembly resolution that would single out Iran for its human rights violations. In a session devoted to human rights in Iran, EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg criticise the country's continuing use of the death penalty, public executions, torture, amputation as an alternative punishment and arbitrary detentions. "The situation with regard to freedom of opinion and expression continues to be deeply troubling, especially on the eve of parliamentary elections", the council says. However, Ministers insists:"establishment of a dialogue [with Iran] is without prejudice to the tabling or co-sponsoring of a resolution at the third committee of the UN General Assembly or the Commission on Human Rights". The third committee is responsible for human rights. It is expected to issue a resolution on Iran later this month. Diplomats says the two-pronged strategy by ministers meeting in Luxembourg was aimed at sending a message to both reformers and conservatives. The EU wants to maintain for a long as possible its human rights dialogue that started with Iran ten months ago. While Iranian reformers believe the dialogue is one way to introduce reforms and prevent Iran from being isolated, Iranian conservatives resent any discussions of human rights. Diplomats says the strategy was also about maintaining unity among all 15 EU member states that have unusually pursued a common and strong policy towards engaging Iran on human rights. They have also consistently backed the US and the IAEA in insisting Iran sign an additional protocol that would provide the IAEA with maximum transparency over its nuclear energy programme. Ireland, Britain, Sweden and the Netherlands had wanted the EU to agree to table or co-sponsor a UN resolution. Several other countries, however, managed to win some time before committing the EU. "We believe the human rights dialogue is a long term investment, " says a senior EU diplomat involved in negotiations with Iran. He adds: "We hope we can separate our dialogue from what might happen at the UN".