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Iran summons Denmark’s envoy over EU’s oil ban

25 January 2012 04:34 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Iran summoned Denmark’s ambassador to Tehran, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the EU, to voice protest against the 27-nation bloc’s irrational oil sanction against Tehran, APA reports referring Press TV.

During the meeting in Tehran on Tuesday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Asqar Khaji voiced Tehran’s protest against the illogical decision taken at the EU ministerial meeting on Monday to impose oil sanctions against Tehran, and said, "There are forces in the EU that seek to create tension in the relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran by following the US policies and adopting a hostile approach."

He underlined that the Iranian nation will not withdraw from its legal and legitimate rights under such pressures and cruel measures, and said that the EU should be blamed for the consequences of the measure.

His remarks came after the European Union (EU) held a summit meeting on Monday to discuss a proposed embargo on Iran’s oil exports.

Foreign ministers of the European Union reached eventually an agreement on sanctioning oil imports from Iran and freezing the assets of Iran’s Central Bank within the EU.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton told reporters that the sanctions are aimed at pressuring Iran to return to talks over its nuclear program.

Iran has always underlined its preparedness to resume talks with the West but has meantime stressed that it will never accept any precondition for such talks.

The EU has also imposed a ban on the sale of gold, diamonds, and other precious metals to Iran.

Earlier this month, Iranian Oil Minister Rostam Qassemi warned that imposing sanctions on Iran’s oil industry will destabilize the world markets, adding that the sanctions policy is, thus, an irrational move.

Qassemi said the Islamic Republic of Iran’s policy is based on good relations with all the world countries, adding Tehran does not pursue severing ties with others.

"The world needs our energy and our relations with other countries are based on fair relations and mutual respect," he said, adding that too many countries are eager to buy Iran’s oil.

Stating that the country is facing no problem in selling its oil, the official noted "Not only we have many customers, but we also have sold our oil in advance."