CEO of European aerospace giant Airbus Group Thomas Enders (L) shakes hands with Iranian President H …
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Rouhani is in Europe after a landmark nuclear deal signed with world powers entered force this month, lifting sanctions that have starved Iran’s $400 billion economy of investment and consumer goods. During a stop in Rome, Italy, authorities covered nude statues and sculptures by white boxes as a sign of respect for Muslim traditions.
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the countries should forget past rancor.
Femen France spokesperson Sarah Constantin told reporters that the group planned the mock execution on account of human rights concerns.
France showed its eagerness to take up where it left off in Iran as soon as the July nuclear deal was signed.
Iranians protesting against Hassan Rouhani leave Denfert-Rochereau Square for a march in streets of Paris.
On the bridge above her, protesters had hung a banner saying: “Welcome Rohani, Executioner Of Freedom”.
Stressing that Paris is determined to revitalise its relations with Iran, Hollande said: “During Dr Rouhani’s trip, good agreements were made between the two governments and the private sectors of both countries and France is committed to putting all of them into action”. Continued U.S. bank restrictions against Iran are a hurdle to many European companies seeking renewed commerce.
The French major carmaker Peugeot Citroen PSA earlier announced that it had finalized a binding contract with Iran’s leading automobile manufacturer Iran Khodro over the production of cars in the country. The revamped factory, which opened about 50 years ago, will make Peugeot’s 208 hatchback, 301 sedan and 2008 crossover.
Before sanctions were imposed in 2012 over Iran, EU was importing about 800,000 barrels of Iranian oil and condensate. Most members of the Union, however, reportedly consider such a measure to be counterproductive in in the face of current efforts to renew political and economic ties with Iran after the long frigid period over Iran’s nuclear program.
Hollande said he also reminded Rohani that France was “committed to human rights” during talks in Paris.
But Mr Rouhani’s camp saw that as a snub, according to French radio station RTL, and chose to skip the meal entirely.
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“The sky has brightened for Iranian passengers, and Airbus is pleased to welcome the return of Iran to the worldwide civil aviation community”, said the boss of the European aircraft maker, Fabrice Bregier. “Each side must feel it is a win-win agreement”. Last week, Foreigh Minister Laurent Fabius visited Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia, Iran’s fierce rival, and Paris will shortly welcome the Saudi crown prince. “First and foremost Rouhani’s visit should be a test of his willingness to change Iran’s egregious conduct and an opportunity to hold him accountable for his actions”. Rouhani was originally scheduled to visit Paris in November, but the trip was called off after Nov. 13 Islamic extremist attacks that killed 130 people.
