Rasa - "Iran's missile tests are conducted with the frameworks of the country's defense policies and Iran's defense capabilities are in no way negotiable and cannot be compromised," Qassemi told reporters on Monday after a statement by the European Union's Foreign Ministers Council was released earlier in the day.
The Iranian foreign ministry spokesman also dismissed the allegations as brought in the EU foreign ministerial statement, and said, "Iran is ready to elaborate on Islam's views in this field in a non-controversial atmosphere and through dialogue and exchange of views.
Qassemi, meantime, welcomed the interest shown by the EU to further develop relations with Iran and the European Union's pledge to remain fully committed to nuclear agreement signed between Tehran and the Group 5+1 (the US, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany).
"In view of the considerable advances at different levels of cooperation (between Iran and the EU) and abundance of capacities for deepening and broadening of relations, the full removal of banking problems will be the key and determining parameter in development of trade and economic cooperation as well as implementation of joint projects," he added.
The Iranian foreign ministry spokesman also pointed to EU's official support for Iran's joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), and said, "The Islamic republic of Iran wants EU's practical measures in the process of Iran's membership in WTO."
Qassemi said that Iran has always played a determining role in creation of stability and security in the region and has made a lot of efforts in line with political and peaceful settlement of regional crises, including in Syria, Yemen, Iraq and … and has tried to act constructively and actively within the framework of humanitarian cooperation for removal of pains and sufferings of the oppressed and defenseless people of these countries.
The European Union said on Monday it would keep pushing to restore ties with Iran in line with last year's nuclear deal, which US President-elect Donald Trump has said he will rescind.
"The European Union reiterates its resolute commitment to the (Iran nuclear deal)," the bloc's foreign ministers said in a statement in Brussels.
"The European Union is committed to support the full and effective implementation ... by the lifting of nuclear related economic and financial sanctions and engaging with the private sector and economic operators, especially banks, to promote growth in trade and investment."
Despite concerns over human rights in Iran, the bloc is seeking to open a diplomatic mission there and senior EU officials have visited for talks on issues from trade and investment to migration and humanitarian aid.
847/940