DUSHANBE, January 4, 2016, Asia-Plus – According to the the European External Action Service, Ms. Federica Mogherini, the European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, had telephone conversations with Iranian and Saudi Arabian foreign ministers on January 3.
In the morning, the HR/VP Federica Mogherini, reportedly had a phone call with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Javad Zarif, after the violence that followed the execution in Saudi Arabia of Sheikh Nimr al Nimr. During the long conversation, HRVP Mogherini was informed of the incident at the Saudi embassy and of the steps taken by the Iranian authorities to defuse the tensions and protect the Saudi diplomats.
No effort should be spared by all parties to keep the situation under control and to avoid sectarian tensions to escalate, they agreed. The security and stability of the whole Region, that is already facing great threats, is at stake, underlined the HR/VP Federica Mogherini. The international community and the main regional actors are actively working together to support a political solution for the crisis in Syria and to join forces against terrorists groups, and these efforts should not be jeopardized by new instability.
The HR/VP Federica Mogherini and Iranian Foreign Minister, Javad Zarif also discussed the ongoing work towards implementation day and took stock of the important progress made so far.
In the afternoon, the HR/VP Federica Mogherini, had a phone call with the Saudi Foreign Minister, Adel al-Jubeir, following the executions inflicted Saturday in Saudi Arabia, including that of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.
During the conversation, the HR/VP Mogherini reportedly reiterated the opposition of the European Union to the death penalty in all circumstances. She expressed her concern for the risk of an escalation of sectarian violence in the Muslim world. She also deplored the attack of the Saudi embassy, which took place in Teheran on January 2.
The HR/VP Federica Mogherini called to avoid any action that could feed violence in the region and beyond. She underlined that all regional powers are expected to act responsibly in this already very volatile situation.
