EU voices concern over Iran's missile programme

BRUSSELS, Jan 31 (KUNA) -- The EU reiterated Tuesday its concern about Iran's missile programme and called on Tehran to refrain from activities which deepen mistrust, such as ballistic missile tests.
"The EU will keep its restrictions regarding ballistic missiles for 8 years from Adoption Day (i.e. 18 October 2015) or until the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) broader conclusion that all nuclear material in Iran remains in peaceful, whichever is earlier" Nabila Massrali, spokesperson for EU High Representative Federica Mogherini told a news conference.
The EU expects Iran, she said, to fulfil all its international obligations, including UN Security Council Resolution 2231.
The spokesperson, however, noted that the Iranian ballistic missile programme was not part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), hence the tests are not a violation to it.
But she added that "the tests are inconsistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Whether it constitutes a violation is for the Security Council to determine." (end) nk.mt