German Minister's Promise for Human Rights Dialogue During Visit to Iran

Der Spiegel reported that Sigmar Gabriel, the German Minister of Economy, will convey Berlin's concerns regarding Iran's role in the Syrian war and the human rights record of the Islamic Republic during his upcoming visit to Tehran. According to Reuters, this weekly magazine reflected Mr. Gabriel's statements on Friday, October 1, stating that Iran can only have normal and friendly relations with Germany if it recognizes the existence of Israel. Sigmar Gabriel's trip to Iran will begin on Sunday next week and will last for two days. He has promised to discuss not only the trade relations between the two countries but also the horrific conditions in Syria, as he did during his visit to Russia. This German official stated, 'I will continue to do in Iran what I did during my recent trip to Russia, which is to convey the anger and distress of the German people regarding the fronts allied with Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria that have caused such horrific conditions in that country.' He further emphasized, 'We cannot have normal and regular relations with countries that are engaged in such a brutal war.' Sigmar Gabriel is accompanied by a large business delegation to assess the potential for trade with Iran in the new conditions that have arisen following Tehran's nuclear agreement with world powers. Reuters writes that German industries are eager to resume their long-standing trade relations with Iran, but progress is slow due to some ambiguities and certain sanctions that remain in place after the nuclear agreement. Sigmar Gabriel has also stressed the need to talk with Iran about human rights, arms control, and other issues of disagreement between Tehran and Berlin.