EU Council extends Iran sanctions and condemns Helms-Burton
On 9 April, the Council of the European Union extended restrictive measures against Iran on account of ‘serious human rights violations’. The sanctions are extended for a year and include travel bans, asset freezes, and a ban on exports to Iran of equipment which might be used for internal repression, and of equipment for monitoring telecommunications.
The Council describes the measures as ‘part of an integrated policy approach combining pressure and engagement’ in efforts to persuade the Iranian government to comply with its international obligations.
At the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the same date, in relation to the 1996 Helms-Burton Act (US law imposing sanctions against Iran and Cuba), the Council ‘reiterated the EU’s strong opposition to the extraterritorial application of unilateral restrictive measures, which it considers contrary to international law.’
See:
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2019/04/08/
