Patten defends EU-Iran dialogue

The external relations Commissioner Chris Patten has strongly defended the EU's ongoing dialogue with Iran in the face of objections from MEPs and Iranian opposition parties.

"Dialogue began in December, I am not prepared to say that it has not been a success after one month" said the Commissioner while indicating that he still strongly backs a strategy of constructive engagement with Iran.

Critics of the tripartite dialogue involving trade, human rights and co-operation on terro...