EU sharply criticises Iran over press freedom

BRUSSELS, Oct 5 (Reuters) The European Union, which has played a central role in efforts to resolve Iran's nuclear crisis, sharply criticised Tehran today for closing down newspapers and harassing journalists.

A statement from the Finnish EU presidency expressed ''grave concern'' about a deterioration in press freedom in Iran and highlighted the closure of four newspapers, including the leading reformist daily, the Shargh, on September 11.

''This announcement is especially alarming given the already limited freedom of the press in Iran. In addition, the European Union finds the continued harassment of journalists, such as threats of prosecution, extremely worrying,'' it said.

''The European Union calls on the Iranian authorities to comply with their obligations to respect the freedom of the press and to allow Iranian journalists to practice their profession without harassment or intimidation.'' Yesterday, European foreign policy chief Javier Solana, who has headed international efforts to resolve the crisis over Iran's nuclear programme, said time was running out for Tehran to avoid sanctions over the issue.

Solana said Iran had not agreed to suspend its uranium enrichment despite four months of intensive talks.

Iran insists its long-secret nuclear programme is purely for civilian energy purposes but the West suspects it is aimed at developing an atomic bomb.

REUTERS PB HT1810