SHAFAQNA– An academic from Peace Research Institute at the Faculty of Social Sciences at Finland’s Tempere University says the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries was a new experience for the European Union. Tuomo Melasuo thinks Iran deal was a difficult test for many countries and Finland is trying to resolve the crisis the agreement is facing following the United States’ withdrawal in 2018.
In an exclusive interview with Shafaqna, Tuomo Melasuo said “It will be a win-win game and benefit all involved parties, if the European Union overcomes the sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran. This would mean that EU’s policies are independent (from the US) and in line with what Finnish President Sauli Niinisto reiterated at his speech at the UN General Assembly in 2018. Niinisto is an advocate of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and tries to keep it.
Melasuo thinks there is a willingness to preserve the Iran nuclear deal and encourage the EU to fulfill its commitments. He continues that Finland has successful diplomatic mediation efforts in the past decades and Helsinki is supporting Tehran in the face of economic sanctions. Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto who is currently the EU representative on Sudan is a veteran diplomat and eager to help, too.
TAPIR Professor Emeritus Tuomo Melasuo explains that his country was actively involved consultations surrounding the recent tensions (between the US and Iran) in the Persian Gulf.
Shafaqna asked Melasuo if he thinks the EU is willing to support Iran economically via Instrument in Support of Trade Exchange (INSTEX). He replies, “Despite current difficulties, many European capitals –including Helsinki- have made it clear that they want to have trade with the Islamic Republic. Nevertheless, nobody can deny differences among countries and the American propaganda against the Islamic Republic has its effect. As far as I know these issues cannot affect Finland’s foreign policy.”
When asked about European countries’ line, Tampere University Peace Research Institute’s professor says, “Finland is following pro-peace EU policies and even can influence other European countries. Germany has a positive approach and eager to resolve this issue. France’s approach is not very clear as both Paris and London seek their own interests in the Persian Gulf regardless of EU policies. Nordic countries are mostly involved in mediation efforts.”
Professor Tuomo Melasuo believes “There is a real rift between the European Union and the United States over Iran’s nuclear deal and it is a very important historically as it signals the beginning of EU’s independence and evolution in domestic policy generally and in foreign policy particularly.” Melasuo adds “Britain’s exit from the EU (Brexit) could affect relations between the US, the EU and the UK in a positive way and force London to cooperate and coordinate with the Continent more than before if it wants to protect its interests.”
The political science expert describes any war in the Persian Gulf as “catastrophic”, noting such a conflict would have no winner and only result in destruction. Tuomo Melasuo can remember the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war. He blames Saudi Arabia for creating tension in the region and says the US encourages the KSA in its actions.
This text originally published by Shafaqna Farsi, translated by Shafaqna English.
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