Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

637. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on any meetings he or his officials had with the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mr. Ali Larijani, during his visit here in June 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30407/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The visit of Speaker Larijani was an interparliamentary occasion, and so his main engagements were with the Oireachtas. I met him for a courtesy call on 16 June, and in the event the meeting provided a good opportunity to discuss some current issues. My key message to Mr. Larijani was to encourage the Iranian authorities to go the extra distance in the nuclear negotiations in Vienna and ensure that an agreement was reached. I underlined Ireland’s attachment to the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty, and the positive impact a successful outcome could have in a troubled region. I said that Ireland and the EU would fully support the implementation of any agreement by all parties. Thankfully, we have all seen in recent days the successful conclusion of the nuclear negotiations, which is greatly to be welcomed.

I discussed with Dr. Larijani the prospects for expansion of our bilateral trade, while noting that of course the removal of sanctions following a nuclear agreement would be a key element in achieving such growth.

I discussed with him the numerous crises affecting the Middle East region, in particular the situation in Iraq and in Yemen. I also drew attention to the role being played by Irish peacekeepers in the region, and our concern for their safety.

In relation to human rights concerns in Iran, we discussed the treatment of some minorities in Iran including Baha’i and some Christian denominations, and the use of the death penalty.