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European Union

EU Officials Hesitant to Label IRGC as Terrorist Organization

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

European Union officials, led by Foreign Minister Josep Borrell and Swedish counterpart Tobias Billstrom, expressed caution in labeling the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Billstrom noted that such a designation requires "strong evidence and documents" and warned that placing the IRGC on the EU terrorist list could lead to "delisting" by the European Court of Justice. The Swedish foreign minister's statement follows a non-binding resolution adopted by the European Parliament on January 19, calling on the EU to put the IRGC on its terror list. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian sharply criticized the resolution, calling it "emotional, injudicious, inaccurate and unprofessional." The diplomatic saga continues, with officials on both sides weighing the consequences of labeling the IRGC as a terrorist organization.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Parliament adopted a non-binding resolution on January 19, calling on the EU to put the IRGC on its terror list.
  • Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom emphasized the need for "strong evidence and documents" before labeling the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
  • Billstrom warned that placing the IRGC on the EU terrorist list could lead to "delisting" by the European Court of Justice.
  • Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian criticized the European Parliament's resolution, calling it "emotional, injudicious, inaccurate and unprofessional."
  • The EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, noted that a court in an EU country would need to determine that the IRGC was guilty of terrorism before it could be designated as a terrorist organization.
  • Abdollahian stated that the IRGC is an official state body with a key role in safeguarding Iran's and the region's security.
  • The IRGC has had and will continue to have an essential and key role in the battle against terrorism, according to Abdollahian.

Statistics:

  • The European Parliament adopted the non-binding resolution on January 19.
  • The Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, held phone talks with EU officials on January 19 and 20.
  • The EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, spoke to reporters ahead of the talks between EU foreign ministers in Brussels on January 23.
  • Abdollahian and Borrell had separate talks on January 19, during which Abdollahian criticized the European Parliament's resolution.

Sources:

  • DW
  • TehranTimes
  • SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info)

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