Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini

31.8.2018

1. The EU has kept track of developments ever since Mr Djalali was arrested and has reached out to the Iranian authorities on several occasions, both in Brussels and Tehran, stressing the deterioration of Mr Djalali's health condition. Several Member States have equally approached the Iranian authorities on the matter. In view of the death sentence and its confirmation on 9 December, the EU has contacted the Iranian government again raising strong concerns.

2. The EU addresses human rights in Iran in several fora, including through the High Level Dialogue and in bilateral meetings. In response to the European Parliament's resolution on the situation of dual nationals imprisoned in Iran which was adopted on 31 May 2018, the HRVP Mogherini underlined EU's call for the release of detained dual nations including prof. Djalali on humanitarian grounds, as well as our request for appropriate legal counsel and adequate medical care to be provided. The EU will continue using existing channels of communication to raise strong concerns about individual cases including Mr Djalali's situation, much like we have done to date.

3. The European Investment Bank (EIB) supports the Union's development aid and cooperation policies towards some 140 countries throughout the world. Such cooperation enables the Bank to coordinate its operations with those of the other institutions, while preserving its independence and its own decision-making procedures as provided for in the EU Treaties. This maintains the effectiveness of the different EU instruments furnishing loans or grants in support of substantial capital investment, both within and outside the European Union. By virtue of Article 1 of its Statute the European Investment Bank performs and carries on its functions in accordance with the Provisions of the Treaties, including the principles laid down in Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union.