Prior to the nuclear deal, Paris assumed Iran as part of the problem not the solution but now, France describes Iran as a definitive solution to the crisis in the region,” Le Figaro reporter and analyst Georges Malbrunot said.
Malbrunot addressed Tehran-Paris relations and regional issues in the third day of 21st edition of Press and News Agencies Exhibition.
Taking part in the foreign media pavilion, Malbrunot said the recent nuclear deal between Iran and the 5+1, after implementation in the future, will change Iran’s relations with the European countries and will open a new chapter in bilateral cooperation with EU.
He said the relations between Iran and France has gone through many ups and down and underlined the excessive indulgence of French politicians towards Iran, during Iran-Iraq war in particular.
Pointing to the nuclear issue, Iran’s support for Hezbollah and human rights issues as the main obstacles on the way of relations between the two countries, he expressed the hope over the improvement of ties in the shadow of nuclear deal.
He stressed the deal could lead to Iran-Europe cooperation in the field of regional issues, such as the fight against terrorism.
Describing the causes of France’s opposition against Iran's nuclear program, Malbrunot referred to Israel's interests, the interests of France’s Arab allies and economic cooperation with them.
In addition to the nuclear program, he said the regional issues including Yemen and Syrian crises as the reasons of conflict between Iran, Europe and Arab countries, reiterating that to conclude the agreement we have to resolve our differences on the regional issues.
“Relations between France and Saudi Arabia is under question because many of Riyadh’s economic promises have not been fulfilled,” Malbrunot said adding that some French politicians have concluded to replace the Iranian market, as a new market with great potentials, with Arab countries’, including the Saudi Arabia.
He pointed to Syria as one of the differences not only between Iran and France but also between the European countries. “France believes Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must leave the country, but more localized than other European countries, insists for a timeframe to Assad’s removal from power.
Pointing to Iran’s different position regarding the issue, he said Iran believes the region strongly needs Assad to get rid of the terrorist and extremist groups.
The French reporter, however, underlined the softening of France's position towards Syria and Iran’s presence in resolving the country's crisis. “Prior to the nuclear deal, Paris assumed Iran as a part of the problem not the solution but now, France describes Iran as a definitive solution to the crisis in Damascus.
Pointing to France's military presence in the Middle East, Le Figaro’s journalist said Paris was less involved in attacks against ISIL positions since September in Iraq, however, it refused to be present in Syria declaring its position as “Neither ISIL Nor Bashar."
“President of France François Hollande decided to participate in Syria, after Moscow military launched its air strikes against ISIL in Syria,” he underlined.
Describing the official stance on his country towards Syrian issue, he said France in the end would prevent the return of Frenchmen who are now in Iraq and Syria. “This indicates that Paris has decided to look more realistically to the Syrian issue,” he said.
The French analyst cited the Vienna talks as a noteworthy events which covered the issues including maintaining Syria’s political and military structure, preserving the territorial integrity of Syria and holding elections with the participation of Syrian refugees.
He acknowledged that France differ with many European countries including Germany and Spain that has put priority in the fight against extremism.
Underlining that Paris’s stance on Yemen is the same as Riyadh’s, Malbrunot said, however, France admits that Riyadh has gone too far regarding the issue and is fighting inconclusive wars which even led to the advancement of al-Qaeda in the area.
Answering the question of Mehr News reporter on the consequences of Iran-EU relations in the region, Georges Malbrunot said, “Iran-EU relation is not considered a threat to the regional countries. Some of the countries are fearful about the money which is going to return to Iran after sanctions removal. They say the money will be devoted to the Hezbollah and 'Shia militia' in Iraq. I think it is over-estimated, Iran will spend the money for improving its economy which needs new investments and new boom.”
He underlined that the countries which consider Iran’s deal with the world a threat and do not support its relations with EU, "they are afraid of Iran, they worry about their own interests."
“Having a good relations with Iran is better than a bad one. When you hold good relations with a country you can talk to your partner and convince them not to do or do something,” Malbrunot added.
French journalist reiterated that Iran can play a major role in boosting relations between Europe and the regional countries. “Iran has strong relations with Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and many other countries, therefore, the country can play a positive role in helping European countries or regional countries to make good connections in all-out fields.”
On implementation of JCPOA, he said Iran has proved sincerity and has been so far committed to its obligations. "This is also true about the other side, he said, EU has been committed to its obligations."
“Iranian lawmakers passed the details of JCPOA implementation bill supporting a nuclear deal with the world. It is a positive step for Iran to prove commitment to the obligations in JCPOA," he added.
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