Execution of Navid Afkari; Mohammad Javad Zarif’s European Trip Cancelled
Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson has claimed that the cancellation of Mohammad Javad Zarif’s trip to Europe was due to coronavirus and logistical issues. This comes as politicians from various German parties had called on Germany’s Foreign Minister to cancel the visit.
Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran’s Foreign Minister, was scheduled to visit three European countries, including Germany, in connection with the nuclear agreement and Europe’s financial mechanism for transactions with Iran. The plan was for Zarif to meet with his counterparts from Germany, Britain, and France.
On the eve of Zarif’s trip to Europe, Germany’s “Bild” newspaper reported, citing its news sources, the cancellation of his European visit.
Saeid Khatibzadeh, Spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, also confirmed the cancellation of Zarif’s European trip. The official reason for the cancellation of Zarif’s trip by the three countries’ ministries has not yet been announced. However, commentators from German newspapers do not consider the cancellation of Zarif’s European trip unrelated to the execution of Navid Afkari.
The Islamic Republic has not announced a specific reason for cancelling Mohammad Javad Zarif’s trip to Europe. Iran has cited “logistical issues.”
Saeid Khatibzadeh, Spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, in response to a question from “Etemad” reporter, said: “In recent weeks, plans have been made for future trips of the Foreign Minister to some African, Asian, and European countries, but due to logistical problems caused by the spread of COVID-19 virus, these trips have not yet been finalized and it is unlikely they will be finalized in the coming weeks.”
Reaction to Navid Afkari’s Execution
Germany’s “Bild” newspaper was the first German-language media outlet to publish news of Mohammad Javad Zarif’s cancelled European trip. The newspaper’s reporter did not rule out the possibility of a connection between the cancellation of this trip and the news of Navid Afkari’s execution. The newspaper’s report referred to the reactions of German athletes and sports associations to the news of Navid Afkari’s execution.
In a report published by “Süddeutsche Zeitung” in this regard, it stated that Zarif probably feared that in Germany he would be forced to respond to questions from journalists and his counterparts regarding Navid Afkari’s execution.
Khatibzadeh, Spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, further stated that “as soon as logistical issues are resolved and necessary coordination related to coronavirus protocols” is completed, the trips will take place and Iran’s Foreign Ministry will provide information in this regard.
“Süddeutsche Zeitung” in this regard emphasized that the postponement of Zarif’s trip to Europe should not lead to forgetting Navid Afkari’s execution and human rights violations in Iran.
The newspaper’s commentator further wrote: “The international community should not forget the name of Navid Afkari.” The newspaper subsequently called for following up on Navid Afkari’s execution and stated that if this does not happen, speaking of human rights would be futile.
Omid Nouripour, a politician from Germany’s Green Party, had also requested that Germany’s Foreign Minister cancel Zarif’s visit to the country.
Nouripour, in an interview with “Taz” newspaper regarding the possibility of Germany’s government taking decisive action in this matter, expressed doubt and said that for this reason, he prefers that Zarif not be invited to Germany under such circumstances.
Source: DW
