EU considering to lift some sanctions on Iran

After the announcement yesterday that an interim agreement between Iran and the Group 5+1 on Iran's nuclear programme will enter into force on 20 January, the EU Monday said it will fulfil its part regarding the sanctions. "When it comes to the sanctions I can confirm the EU will stick to its commitments and take all the necessary steps in that direction," Maja Kocijancic, a spokesperson for EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, told journalists, here Sunday. "The part that was agreed will also be fulfilled," she said but did not give further details. The EU has imposed wide-ranging economic and oil sanction on Iran to force Tehran to give up its enrichment programme. Ashton last night nnounced that outstanding issues on implementation of initial measures were resolved and finalised in a meeting between her deputy, Helga Schmid, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on January 9-10 in Geneva. They have now reached a common understanding on the implementation modalities for a first step of six months of initial measures as set out in the Geneva Joint Plan of Action of 24th of November 2013. The 5+1, which includes China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK and US and Iran, will now start the implementation of the first step on January 20, Ashton said. Ashton represents the P5+1 in plomatic contacts with Iran related to the nuclear issue. Under the November 24 agreement, Iran has promised to curb its most sensitive nuclear activities in return for some relaxation of sanctions by western nations. Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers are to discuss Iran during their meeting in Brussels next week on 20 January.