Brussels, April 23, IRNA -- The European Parliament has welcomed the fact that, at the invitation of the EU Presidency, Members of the European Parliament participated in the 3rd round of the EU-Iran Human Rights Dialogue on 8/9 October 2003.

The EP's report on human rights in the world in 2003 released Thursday said it considers that MEPs should be involved in the same way in future human rights dialogues with other third countries also.

The EP invited the EU Presidency to transmit its in-depth evaluation of the China dialogue as soon as possible and to prepare a similar evaluation of the Iran dialogue.

The report "deplores the fact that'' the 3rd Round Table of the EU-Iran Human Rights Dialogue had a very abstract academic character and considers that at coming Round Tables the debate must have a stronger political dimension and contain real dialogues.

The EP "has so far noted with satisfaction the de facto moratorium on stoning in Iran since the end of 2002,'' said the report.

Elsewhere, the EP report expresses grave concern at the continuation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The report said the EP shares the deep concern expressed by the Council at the continuation of illegal settlements and expropriation of land for the construction of the so-called 'security fence', by Israel.

''The prohibition on discrimination contained in many international conventions is clearly violated in the closed zone in which Palestinians, but not Israelis, are required to have permits,'' noted the report.

On Central Asia, the EP report reiterates its concern with regard to human rights violations and cases of political repression, ''particularly in Turkmenistan where the human rights situation has deteriorated dramatically recently and in Uzbekistan where there are continuing serious concerns.''

... Payvand News - 4/23/04 ... --