“We consider Iranian measures curtailing freedom of expression worrying” – the Iranian ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Ministry

In line with a joint response agreed by Member States with the EU Presidency, State Secretary and Political Director Gábor Iklódy summoned the Ambassador to Budapest of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

During the meeting, the political director rejected Teheran’s allegations that certain EU countries had interfered in Iran’s domestic affairs in respect of the Iranian presidential elections. Mr Iklódy emphasised it was the right of every EU Member State to declare its concern over the worrying situation in Iran with regard to democratic norms.

The State Secretary reminded the ambassador it was the responsibility of Iranian authorities to allay doubts regarding the fairness of the elections and to guarantee the freedom of expression. He went on to say the protesting people had a right to demonstrate peacefully. Hungary is concerned over the restrictive measures experienced by the media and journalists, he added.

Mr Iklódy stressed as far as Iran’s nuclear testing programme is concerned the international community expects an urgent and substantive answer from Iran with regard to concrete proposals for talks. Hungary also believes that it is Iran’s best interest to avoid foot-dragging and to restart the negotiation process as soon as possible to achieve results.

(June 24, 2009)