IRAN yesterday urged Ireland, current holder of the EU presidency, to help mend Tehran's ties with Europe which have been strained over a death edict against the British author, Salman Rushdie.
The Iranian parliament speaker, Mr Ali Akbar NateqNouri, quoted by the official IRNA news agency, expressed hope that during Ireland's presidency... Iran Europe relations would further expand and that Ireland would play an active role in making clear Iran's aspirations and goals to the EU".
Mr Nateq Nouri made the remarks to Senator Liam Naughten, Seanad cathaoirleach, the agency said.
Relations between Iran and the EU have been strained over the religious edict, or fatwa, issued by the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeni in 1989, condemning Rushdie to death for alleged blasphemy against Islam in his novel, The Satanic Verses.
EU countries have been trying to resolve the dispute by asking Iran to give assurances that it would not carry out the edict.
Tehran radio said Mr Naughtea also met President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and the Foreign Minister, Mr Ali Akbar Velayati.
Iran earlier this month welcomed Ireland's EU presidency and said Dublin had "an ideal opportunity" to resolve the row.