Italy: We Will Raise the Issue of Rezaian's Freedom During Rouhani's Visit

The Italian Foreign Minister stated in an interview with the Washington Post that during President Rouhani's first European trip, humanitarian issues, including the freedom of Jason Rezaian, a reporter for the newspaper, will be discussed. Hassan Rouhani will begin his first European trip in the coming days, first traveling to Italy and then to France. Paolo Gentiloni, the Italian Foreign Minister, emphasized that he has previously addressed this issue in discussions with Iranian officials. According to the Italian Foreign Minister, addressing extremely important humanitarian issues, including the freedom of Jason Rezaian or Tehran's cooperation regarding the Syrian crisis, is vital for building trust between the parties. Mr. Rezaian, a Washington Post journalist and Iranian-American citizen, has been in prison for over a year. Although for months there was no information published about the main reason for his detention, Iranian judicial officials recently stated that his sentence has been issued. Nevertheless, his lawyer stated on November 2 that they are still waiting for the notification of the sentence. In addition to Mr. Rezaian, at least two other Iranian-Americans are also imprisoned in Iran, for whom the U.S. government has repeatedly called for their release. Saeed Abedini, a pastor, and Amir Hekmati, a former soldier, are currently in prison following accusations such as 'espionage' or 'acts against national security.' Recently, the United Nations has also called on Iran to end the harassment and imprisonment of journalists, including Jason Rezaian. Mr. Gentiloni stated that he will bring up the issue of this journalist's freedom again in discussions with Hassan Rouhani. The Italian Foreign Minister also noted the historical relations between Iran and ancient Rome, stating that they commend Italy's selection as the first European destination for the Iranian president. According to Mr. Gentiloni, past sanctions against Iran have also harmed European countries, and if the nuclear agreement is implemented, Iran's 80 million market, with a plethora of educated individuals, will compete with Western companies. Iran and six world powers reached an agreement last July in Vienna aimed at limiting Tehran's nuclear program and lifting extensive international sanctions. The six powers negotiating with Iran were the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Italy did not participate directly in these negotiations, but the main coordinator of the talks from the European Union, Ms. Federica Mogherini, was previously the Foreign Minister of that country. In addition to meeting with the Prime Minister and senior Italian officials, Hassan Rouhani is also scheduled to meet with Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, before traveling to France.