Germany to press US to effectively lift Iran sanctions: Vice chancellor

Germany has promised to exercise pressure on the United States to act on its commitment of “effectively” removing sanctions against Iran.

Germany wanted to “remind the United States of the commitment to get to an effective dismantling of sanctions,” German Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel said at the opening of an economic forum in Tehran on Monday.

He arrived in the Iranian capital on Sunday for a two-day visit at the head of a business delegation comprising 160 industry representatives, including agents from German giants such as Siemens and Volkswagen.

Speaking in Tehran, Gabriel said, “Iranian banks should find ways for the expansion of relations. In this context, the US, too, should act on its responsibilities concerning Iran so the outcome of the nuclear deal becomes visible in Iran.”

“Besides the matters that separate Iran and Germany, there are elements for connection,” he said, noting, “Through the expansion of economic cooperation, we can also find approaches toward [accommodating] the complicated issues between the two countries.”

The countries’ respective central banks are due to sign a cooperation agreement later in the day.

Deputy Economy Minister Mohammad Khaza’ei, meanwhile, said 10 economic agreements would be signed during Gabriel’s visit.

Gabriel had angered the Iranian public as well as officials by saying, prior to his trip, that Berlin and Tehran could have “normalized” relations only when the Islamic Republic recognized the Israeli regime.

SS