Iran says EU "not honest in countering terrorism"January 9, 2019 - 16:02 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman condemned theEuropean Union's "irrational and surprising decision to sanction some Iranian nationals" on Wednesday, January 9, saying that this shows that "the EU is not honest in its claim to fight terrorism", IRNA reports. "Instead of putting criminal terror groups, such as the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO, aka MEK) and Alahvazieh, on their sanctions list, the EU gives them a free hand to do their anti-human and terrorist actions and even supports them," Bahram Qasemi said. "However, they accuse Iran, to whom they owe a lot. Iran is the pioneer of the fight against terrorism and Europe owes its security to Iran." Qasemi added that in response to this move, Iran will reciprocate accordingly. Europe sanctioned an Iranian intelligence service, connecting it to taking some actions in Europe. The authorities of Iran's Foreign Ministry had already rejected the allegations and said that such moves are the result of attempts of the Israeli intelligence service to harm Tehran-Brussels ties following US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), better known as the Iran Deal. Dutch government has accused Iran of directing two political assassinations in the Netherlands, which triggered EU sanctions against Tehran’s military intelligence service. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia |