Despite the JCPOA, some major European banks are reluctant to enter banking
transactions with Iran, fearing a punishment by the U.S. Treasury. What are the
main obstacles?
The main obstacle is that the
dollar cannot be used as a currency in transactions between Iran and Europe
without triggering sanctions from the USA. But most international transactions
use the dollar, even if for purely technical reasons. For instance, if you want
to transform an important sum of rials into euros, it goes very often in the
international banking system through a transformation of your rials into
dollars before these dollars are in turn transformed into euros. That is enough
to activate the US sanctions. Another obstacle is the gap existing between the
Iranian banking system and the international system, as the Iranian system has
been isolated for many years from the outer world. Finally, European banks are
afraid of campaigns of « name and shame » in the United States if
they develop relations with Iran. But I am confident that channels will be
found with time to go around most of these obstacles.
Why does Europe not want to cooperate with Iran ?
The Europeans certainly want
to cooperate with Iran, as was shown by the numerous delegations of businessmen
who have visited Iran and the important amount of agreements which have been
signed. Current trade is already developing, but important projects take time
to take shape. On the Iranian side, aloso, there have been delays, for instance
for the adoption of the new model of Iranian Petroleum Contract, and till then
nothing could start in this field.
Why is US terrorizing European banks into not reviving business ties with
Iran?
Frankly, I believe that Obama
and Kerry are sincere when they say that they support the development of trade
between Iran and Europe, but, as you know, there are still strong resistance
from the US political establishment, the Neoconservatives, the Republicans, and
all the people in the public and the private sector who wish to see the
failure of the JCPOA.
Is JCPOA in danger?
Yes, indeed. It is a very
fragile agreement, which needs good faith and positive spirit on both sides,
going beyond its sheer letter, to succeed in the long run. But what will
happen after Obama ? What will happen after Rouhani, if he is not reelected
next spring ? This gives reasons to worry.
For Iran, the disappointing results of the nuclear deal in terms of opening
up of channels of trade and investment have raised the opportunity for
Conservators to play a role. How do you see the political perspectives?
Even with the best good will
on all sides, one could not hope that things would change at full speed after
the entry into force of the agreement. I understand very well all the reasons
that the Iranians had to be impatient, but you illusioned yourselves when you
thought that opening and prosperity would come back in a few weeks or months.
It is only in two or three years than people will be able to feel fully the
benefits of the agreement… If the agreement is still alive !
What is your prediction for JCPOA ? What are the issues involved in
implementing or violating the agreement?
The JCPOA should clearly be
seen by all parties as a precious common good to be protected by all means,
but, sadly, it is not the case today. There are powerful opponents in the
United States, but also in Iran, and Europe is caught in between, without the
capacity to counter these oppositions.
Are the
doubts and opposition over Airbus and Boeing sales to Iran, not a clear
violation of JCPOA ? As it targets the basic needs of the lives of ordinary
people ? How do you see the future of this deal?
Again, these are heavy
and complex decisions which take some time to take shape. But I am optimistic
about the return of Airbus and Boeing in Iran. The US administration has to
give its agreement to the sales, under a few conditions, as a denial would be a
clear violation of the letter and spirit of the JCPOA.
How do you
analyze the cooperation between Iran and Europe in the energy sector?
On this point too, I am
confident that cooperation will develop and blossom as never before…There is a
real need in Iran and European companies are eager to play a major positive
role in your country. You have « to give time to time » as former
French President François Mitterrand used to say…
What would be the
consequences if JCPOA is not implemented?
It would be, of course, a
major disaster for everybody, : for Europe, for the United States, for
Iran, for the whole Middle East, with the return of tension, economic depression,
risks of war…. Let us hope that these perspectives will stop short the
opponents of the agreement from reckless behaviour...
Is Europe
willing to cooperate with Iran to combat terrorism?
In principle, yes, of
course. But the difficulty is to agree precisely on who is a terrorist and who
is not. As you know the Middle East is at the moment a region where the friend
of your friend is not necessarily your friend, the enemy of your enemy is not
necessarily your friend either, the friend of your enemy could very well be
your friend, and the enemy of your friend could also be your friend…
How do you
see the future of relations between Iran and Europe?
There has always been a deep
and close relationship between Iran and Europe, not always easy, but made of
mutual respect, admiration and understanding. Frankly, I believe that, all in
all, in spite of all the past crises, the Europeans remain the best and closest
friends of Iran in the whole world. Our task today is to build on this basis to
reach new heights… here, the sky is the limit !
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