Transcripts For CSPAN European Parliament Debate On U.S.-Iran Tensions 20240713

Was live on tuesday when the trial resumes at 1 00 east and on cspan2. Coming up, the European Parliament discusses u. S. Iran will hear frome the eu high representative for foreign affairs, who spoke about iran. This is a portion of the European Parliaments recent Plenary Session held in strasburg, france. Moment and till until the commissioner can take his place. [indistinct conversations] president , you may began. Honorable members, parliament, first of all, let me thank you in the parliament for the ongoing concern with the situation and the two countries in this debate as well as in the wider region. A false statement to say that this has the potential recent years, hereby affecting the lives of millions of people. Mr. President , allow me to begin debate by saying one thing , we are i am committed committed come all of us, to working to stop the current cycle of violence in iraq, which , if not cease before, will spiral out of control once again. On fighting, coming back from croatia sooner than expected. And i will say received a strong mandate to carry out all necessary diplomatic efforts, disk relations the region to support political dialect, and to move to a more political solution. These are the precise words of the conclusion of the country. The president of the European Council and the European Commission has also been fully engaged and the deescalation efforts, and this is how it should be. Mr. President and our members, in factast six weeks, already from last year, we have seen an increasing escalation of tension and iraq, culminating in the killing of general solemani by a u. S. Drone attack followed by attacks by iran on the basis in groups, which thankfully did not harm anyone. Appear as if for the moment the Current Situation will not escalate further, we, and i personally, have, since the very beginning of this crisis, then acting in urgent column, restraint, inside and , from iranthe region to iraq to the uae, turkey, russia, china, and others, you want to assure that everyone with influence uses his influence and that we reach a bridge a temporary gulf. Why are we not concerned about the Current Crisis and how it can affect the region . Well, the risk of this can jeopardize stability in a particular the Current Situation ofld generate a number dangerous consequences, a destructive humanitarian impact, possibly leading to a dramatic increase in the number of displaced persons. That at all costs, and for this to occur, the to workoalition has together is imperative. Such is the situation, but it also risks diverting attention from the necessary political reforms that iraq must the neede, regarding to attack essential social challenges, including fighting corruption. Withve already invested the Financial Support more than 1. 2 billion since 2014. It has focused on military and eight, support for displaced liberated areas, security and sector reform, the assistance mission, supporting Good Governance and job creation. Haveed to make sure we continued support of the reforms thetimately demanded by addressed,ens are also keep in mind what is taken in february 2018. And the Construction Confidence holds there. This they usefully delivering on the pledges we made. 400 million mobilized in the last few years to support governance, promote sustainable job creation. Iran is also in something that we continue to follow closely. We have had a number of tragic incidents the Ukraine International Airlines Plane crash in january. Including an board, high number of eu citizens. Iran has now taken responsibility for this crash. And as i said in my statement on january 11, this was a terrible tragedy, and once again, i want to send my condolences to the victims families and expect that iran will continue to cooperate fully and enhance the investigation. Peoplethe same week, 59 were stampeded in the ceremonies for general solemani, and 20 individuals lost their lives on accident. On a bus also in these cases, i extend my deepest condolences. Honorable members of parliament, the Current Situation of tensions, it is more important to keep hold of the instruments that are serving to promote security, and in this context, the jcpoa remains nonproliferation purposes. The only at tensions in the region, imagine what would be help beation today, run, and they would have been able to obtain those without the jcpoa. Of january, iran ownunced, according to his announcement, the final step in the reduction of its Nuclear Commitments honored the deal. Announcementrisome , but it is important to see what the International Atomic Energy Agency reports, and how you iran implements these steps. Jcpoa, inator of the have been in touch with the participants, seeking to or preserve the group p or you will have heard that earlier today, the prime ministers of germany and the United Kingdom have invoked paragraph 36, the socalled dispute resolution, and informed me to make the package of the coordinator, because they informed me they believe iran is not meeting its commitments, the steps that iran has taken so far. The dispute resolution mechanism provides an opportunity to indicated byssues france, germany, and ukraine, and i will be in touch with all of the participants and the next steps. I want to underline here that the dispute resolution mechanism is first and foremost a process to resolve issues relating to the deal implementation. Resolution mechanism will be, therefore, find solutions and return to full compliance within the framework of the deal. It is not a matter of putting sanctions. , as some newspapers have been claiming. All of the remaining tensions have been clear of their determination to preserve the jcpoa, and this is crucial, and i intend to work hard to preserve it. Our position is clear. Without this deal, we would lose a crucial element of nonproliferation, important attribution to Regional Security , to support the deal. Mr. President , and the time finishing, traditional escalation we have witnessed has a broader regional dimension. Tensions in iraq reflects several of divisions and have the potential to affect from syriaituations, to lebanon, yemen and beyond. In short, the stakes are extremely high for the region as a whole. For the world, and of course for us. In this context, already for , calls for the European Union to play a bigger role. Giving the role to all. All means all. But areot as a group seen as having a han hidden agenda. Our partners have an an rstanding for peaceful resolutions of the dispute. As i mentioned at the beginning, last friday, i convened in a short very meeting. A an extra ordinary meeting. During the meeting, maximum restraint. We also reaffirmed our steadfast support for iraqs unity and territorial integrity. And outlined our commitment to iraqartnerships with th and our continued support for reconstruction of this country. Underline to preserve strongly, which we delay, the shared interest in for peace and security, and we also are very clear that a solution to the ongoing crisis can only be regional, and that we would continue to explore the role that the European Union can play. Backing of strong the council and the commission, i will personally continue to remain engaged in all of these issues, as i said, talking to ,verybody, traveling everywhere and i am looking forward to work with you to promote safety, security, prosperity in the is to strongly and dangerously jeopardize my last events. Thank you. [applause] [speaking foreign language] translator Vice President , thank you for that comprehensive picture of the situation. We will now embark on the debate of that statement, starting with mr. Gala. Thank you. , president , thank you, Vice President , for your opinion, which i largely share. The europeans must be more active in taking up their honest brokerage role of the region, after engaging in multiple conversations, contacts to deescalate the situation. Brigades leader was killed. Mark esper from the u. S. Gave his assessment as to the danger for u. S. Citizens and installations. I wont comment further on it i. S. Red the fight against in the region we need a functioning state, not a puppet state. Bilaterally continue the support to the iraqi armed forces, and perhaps you can use your contact for the effect in iraq and ensure that the reconstruction aid could be. Ssured in the longterm and iran, people are at indignation of the shooting down of the aircraft and the fact that the regime took three days to acknowledge here. Mh17e shooting down of could be an example. I think the best way forward is arisingt the situation from the abandoning of the Nuclear Agreement, and i hope that we can look at the final implications arriving from that. Hi, representative. Americann, the administration and iran are playing with global security, and at the eu, we are faced with security risks. The assassination of iranian general solemani is the latest of a long series of provocations by the u. S. Since the withdrawal of the Iranian Nuclear agreement, and is has created a very dangerous spiral of instability in the region. It is crucial to support your effort to deescalate tensions and to save the nuclear deal with iran. This is even more important since the triggering of the dissolution resolution mechanism earlier today, but we also must signal is the diverting interests that the Current Administration and the withdrawal from the region. This can only mean one thing, that the time has come for for europeebate to safeguard our own security and interests. We offer of course our condolences to the families of the victims of the Ukraine International airlines flight. We urge the iranian authorities to allow International Observers to undertake a full and transparent investigation. Refrain from the use of force of force, like they did in the last week, against peaceful demonstrators who took to the streets protesting mismanagement and authoritarianism of the regime. Continuethe eu must engagement for unity and democracy in iraq, and if necessary, but our support. Thank you. Thank you. Microphone, please. Excuse me. [speaking foreign language] ladies and gentlemen, this discussion is of course much more than the killing of so let solemani. I do not know what is happening here. The killing of general soleimani , we are standing there as observers, finding out what our most important ally, the u. S. , is up to. And when airlines are being shot out of the air, i think every european citizens right to be appalled. We have done a lot for the nuclear deal with iran. Iran must never be less by the by the wayside. I would like to thank you, representative, for taking it up so quickly, but it is not enough. Is threatened to be dragged into chaos again, so use your instincts. Make sure that yours speaks with the voice and has some inroads in the middle east. If we do not want to be in a situatio where once again we enp being the victims and a major crisis, i would like to tehran,on a plane to washington, so that you can put across the position that europeans speak with one voice. The european interests are not the same as the american interests or the russian interest, and if anybody can defend our interests, you are that person. So please, go ahead. You have our support. [speaking foreign language] [speaking foreign language] translator they give her representative. Thank you, representative. The assassination of soleimani has created an explosion in the region. Now that theearly United States wants to stop with what has been initiated already, and they have already pulled out of the Nuclear Agreement, and it is very clear that the European Union wants to adhere to accurate we do not want a nuclear escalation, either. Now, speaking about human rights in iran, i think this is extremely important as well too. Now, i think it is important for us to activate the resolution mechanism. There is a double lesson here. On the one hand, we have the issues of the Nuclear Agreement. On the other hand, we have suddenly an opportunity to speak openly about numerous different issues human rights in iran, the sanctions against the run, and the consequences that that has had, and i think, indeed, we are to use this particular opportunity to defend the agreement. The agreement is absolutely essential for us all. [speaking foreign language] [speaking foreign language] translator thank you, mr. President. Are worried about the attack on the embassy in baghdad in the attack that killed mr. Soleimani and the tragic death of 176 people following the iranian missile, and let nothing to do with the crisis. Stability. The world the eu has to worry about its security policy, as you would expect, they need a policy that says the interest of our citizens, the voice of parliament has not been heard, particularly when you are chair, theo what the subcommittee has said, from theng people downing of the plane. Well, i think frances voice has not been heard. Countrysspect our integrity totally, and we must affect the risk of safeguarding christians in the region, all of these aspects must be taken into account. [speaking foreign language] you, mr. Hyde rep, Vice President feared let me start from another point your president. Point. Start from another the life of other people, military buildup prevailed. Demonstrations and the crackdown of protesting iranians. Concern witho region, in the financing of terrorist organizations, and the last point, ballistic missiles, not thepeak about this and shot on age missiles, regular basis, downing for the year crane airplane. Despite all of this, i also, like yourself, call for the escalations the escalations and i thinktions, triggering of the mechanisms is the least that we can do of all things. We have our other tools as well. Thank you. Thank you. [speaking foreign language] [speaking german] translator thank you. I would like to say that the situation is so difficult economically, and the violence arenst demonstrators, they afraid of the war, they are fed what to do bytold the west. For a century, we have been preventing determination from the country, but before because of colonialism, because of our somethingit is not that donald trump has come up with, it is something we have known about for a long time. \ that wet is time t listen t the people of these countries and we respect them, and that we dont carry out political murders. Really i think this case is different from what we think. If the Iraqi Parliament is now developing demanding that foreign troops be drawn, that is a call for independence, it is a call to being allowed to take the reins in their own hands, and i think we should support them. Thank you. Is the last speaker in the first round. [speaking foreign language] translator we condemn the attack with iraqi and iranians being killed. We condemn the move made by the United States to put the middle east under the control of the west and of nato. And i think it is absolutely clear to understand that we have totally unacceptable events developing, which are similar to unfolding of the wars in yugoslavia, and libya, in afghanistan. Condolences to those who died on the Ukrainian Airlines flight 752, and we support those who are fighting for National Sovereignty and are fighting against the expansionism of the United States and against the military presence and nato military prisons and american middl presence in the middle east as well. It is time to reassess the military agreements that exist within the United States, particularly that between greece and the United States on the bases there. Thank you. Can i ask all speakers who have asked to take the floor to bear all speakers will only receive one minute further speech from now . Just so you know, so i dont have to repeat that points to every speaker to come. Of guidance. Y thank you. Qasem soleimani was, in every sense of the word, a terrorist, and i believe no one is sincerely morning. However, it is important to discuss the serious consequences of the strike. The upcoming weeks and months will determine which direction [no audio] above all, we must not forget authoritarians an regime that killed demonstrators and had faster militias and armed forces in yemen, iraq, and syria as well, and we are to think about this entire issue within this framework. Thank you very much. For hisnk him statement, thinking about the lives lost, especially on the flight. A cautious welcome. Rulesbased diplomacy is always better than random insults and threats on twitter. The British Government in particular did not play brexit ceased. Middle east you cannot trust the current British Government to stand up to trumps dangerously unpredictable approach to this region, so desperate are they to a trade deal. A peace dealround with a trump deal, contradicting his own foreign secretary who said the u. S. Is still committed to the jcpoa. I hope that we all are, and that the you will play a more active role in the escalating tensions and particularly encouraging on all sides of the need for pauline terriens and protesters in both iran and iraq to have their say without disproportional reprisals from response. Thank you. Thank you. The eu should use the dispute mechanism resolution to save the iran deal, step up our effort, mitigate between the eu and iran, and further deescalations the situation. This has been addressed already, so let me add another important aspect. The killing of soleimani threatens to overshadow the voices of those protesters who have been calling for political reforms in both iraq and iran for months, but since friday, they are back in the streets, despite marching threats again, and they are even louder. Fromo want to protect them , to filland killing the voice that it would throw from the a withdrawal from. He u. S. Would leave in iraq yes, we need to deal with the big power politics, but there will never be peace in the region is the voices of those in the streets are silent once more. [applause] [speaking foreign language] personable, i want to think to thank the previous speaker, because she talked about very true. S things, which is hardly, slightly for the last 40 years, so we have tried to negotiate with iran for several years to protect human rights, although our values, what are we promoting all the time, and as you have seen come eight is very successful. And now if americans have eliminated the work of the leading guy from iran to pay for murderings, yemen, and lebanon, i am hearing a lot of your say, oh, it is unacceptable, we have to punish like the americans do, we have to remind that americans, in this case, or our allies, so in this case, there is a reasonable question do we show up to support the americans . And for the first week, we have seen it has been successful because the iranians have been afraid of the americans. We should support more than. Thank you very much. [applause] thank you. So let us ask you, when there is no state of war, killing ok in one country, in another country is against the International Law. Are you in favor of respecting the International Law or not . [applause] it is against International Law if you eliminate one of the leading terrorists. Is it against the law . I dont think so. There were attacks against the u. S. Embassy. It was attacks against the country, and iran had never said that they were not responsible for these attacks, so if i say now about International Law, i would say they are exactly the International Law where they allow it to be. The next speaker. Thank you. The crisis is the first test of the new geopolitical commission. We all agree that general sala i soleimani his death came after years of brutal action and weeks of iranian escalation. , but the United States war on chance, not strategy. The eu was right to seek deescalation and push the iranian response. Unfortunately, 176 innocent people become victims to these situation. The lot right now is critical. Why the actions must never be driven of iranian intimidation, we should continue to back totione, to get iraq the table, to work with iraq to maintain the antiisis coalition. We have stepped back from the brink of war, but getting everyone around the table will european leadership, and i am not seeing it right now. Thank you. Merci. The crazy decision of the u. S. To carry out the illegal soleimani andof others is just the most recent testament to the fact that the u. S. Is the most reckless, destabilizing, and dangerous threat and force on the planet at the moment. The u. S. And their allies have been fighting wars when they drop bombs and have killed people here and here they are taking it out on people who have done more to fight isis than anyone else that we know. They have been asked to get out of iraq. Are they going to get out . Are they going to recognize the diplomatic decision . Are they going to prospective now . Commissioners, the you not agree that this region will be a safer place when the americans are not in it . You talk about iran not respecting the Nuclear Agreements. The you ever ask any questions of israel . Why in gods name wont europe standhow their courage and up to the terrorism of america . [applause] thank you. Thank you, president. The killing of general soleimani is something that is not allowed under International Law, and it was on the territory of a third country, iraq. Perhaps there is a strategy, but it is all erroneous and designed to achieve u. S. Military objectives. An agenda that is trying to bow the iranian government under huge sanctions which will bring the people of iran to their knees. Given the military response, we may see a spiral process. Eu needs to respond positively to minister zarifs overtures, and we need to come up with a balance response and fall back on the Nuclear Agreement and defend it if necessary. Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker. Among those who think the rightsstates wh was in its with solemani. Solemani is the embodiment of the problem we have with iran, a cause of spreading the 21 stcentury 30 took you, which is to say the actress21stcentury third utopia, which is to say yet received. Theocracy. The iranian people are protesting again that they would like to live in a normal country, yet we should do whatever we can to help, but we should not exaggerate what we can do for them, because theres that little we can do particularly when we act on a national basis. This is a highstates game highstakes game. In the short term at least it looks like President Trump has prevailed, what it needs the united approach of all of europe and the support of you, high representatives of the Member States. Thank you. You. Ank over the past two years, we have seen iran and the u. S. Climb up a dangerous letter of escalation that has led to the killing of soleimani and the downing by iran of the ukrainian airliner. I want to make two points. Solemanin deny that played a hugely destructive role in the region. The unions aieve u. S. That is ready to take on tyrants in belize on the global scene. And bullies on the global scene. However, it is critical that the u. S. Plays that role in a responsible manner insisted with international norms. Moreover, when it takes actions with money metal consequences, these have got to be part of a comprehensive and realistic strategy. In aer violent conflict region that is unstable is the last thing we need. We need to use what few levers we have at our disposal to deescalate this explosive situation and work towards that end including by trying to keep the jcpoa alive. Thank you very much. Now for one minute. Decades, iran has been at the center of crisis in the middle east. Given that we have an Iranian Regime which is really only looking to its own survival, maximum pressure from the u. S. Has not helped. Avian agreement is falling apartthe vienna agreement is falling apart, war in yemen is continuing, discontent in iran and iraq is faced with violent repression. It is time for europe to let everyone hear its voice, the voice of reason. No preparation of nuclear arms, i. S. Areight against absolutely crucial. These are things we all agree on. High representative, colleagues, as aristotle recognized, we can be blamed only for what is up to us. But what exactly is up to us . The unfolding situation in iran invites us to reflect on this puzzle. Once again, ukraine finds itself the tragic recipient of Collateral Damage that was hardly foreseeable. But how enthusiastically should we side with the citizens of iran, challenging their regime and its military and holding them responsible for targeting a passenger plane . For sure, human ever might seem like a partial excuse, but equally, human error could and should have been foreseen and precautions taken. On the other hand, some actions are neither accidental nor excusable. Where aggression precedes selfdefense can we should not hesitate to apportion blame, especially if the perpetrator was once our ally. The operation for deescalating the crisis must fall to the aggressor and not just those tempted to retaliate. Thank you. Thank you. Now for one minute. Thank you. Ive no special sympathy for the Iranian Regime toppled in 2003 or the one now, but the west carries a special responsibility if the majority of countries of europe trigger a situation such as in 2003 toppling the regime, claiming weapons of mass destruction were in place in iraq. Fake news. Nuclear dealg the without proof that it was not respected, usa put the new p eriod of uncertainty, and once again the eu proves incapable of an independent policy. How do we ask iran to respect the vienna agreement conditions when the sanctions are weakening its population . We need a system that allows europe to trade with the country and circumnavigate the sanctions. The u. S. Should respect the vote in the Iraqi Parliament to withdraw from its territory. Anarchy the is the energ u. S. Has instigated in that territory. You very much, chairman. We see the iranian people went out to the street against a theocratic dictatorship and government that is killing their own people. We have seen it also in the past where people were protesting against the shah. We should listen to them. We see the regime of the ayatollah that is trying for and changingmony the region from the corridors of tehran to the black sea and all countries in the area. Thoseni was the face of ambitions and these ambitions are a threat to the security of europe. We have to answer that. We have to turn away from the appeasement policy. We have to be more strict against iran. Thank you. Thank you very much. Ow for one minute thank you very much. The political assassination of mr. Solemani by the United States has provoked a spiraling of violence and escalation in the region, and we could call it with proxy conflicts and proxy wars taking place in the region. We would like to support dialogue and support the region with humanitarian fashion, and i think we have to move away from that sanctions approach, that embargo approach, which has in the end sadly worked in a fashion that does harm to the vulnerable in the region and the poor. It is important for the United States and for the United States to pull out any military forces from iraq. This would be proper respect for democracy and also we have to condemn the assassination of qasem soleimani. The involvement of foreign powers and the manipulation by foreign powers in the region has to stop. All caps of interventionism, be it u. S. Or european, have to come to an end. Thank you. With you except a blue card from the madame . Yes. The floor is yours. Thank you very much, president. There isitting somebody who was condemned inause of his participation what has been responsible for over 800 killings in spain, and have not happen been resolved in which it was indicated. Do you condemn violence, do you condemn terrorism . I would like to ask you before this house and colleagues can do you condemn terrorism and the violence of terrorist organizations . Thank you very much. Now i will give the floor to mr. Barena for 30 seconds. Madame, i heard what you have to say, and it appears nothing has changed in the Basque Country over the last years. Violence,o political there is no violence of any nature, and that cycle of violence which existed in the past doesnt exist right now, it has come to an end. Many people were incarcerated for their involvement. There is an atmosphere of conciliation right now. It appears that your party is somewhere else. I think indeed you ought to understand that we are in favor of the Peace Process, and the Peace Process has borne fruit and has been beneficial to the Basque Society as a whole. Thank you. The latest events in iraq and iran demonstrate the arrogance of the politics of the United States of america. A is arrogant to assassinate general in a third country, wh ich is why the American Parliament issued a resolution. It is ever get that it is arrogant that america is not held responsible. It is arrogant to present lies by general pompeo, which were negated a couple days later. And was done in order to avoid debate in the congress. The americans are not credible. Let us remember the weapons of mass destruction. And finally, it is arrogant to say that cultural goods in iran are legitimate military target. The fact is that america has a huge military budget, and they need to wage war somewhere in the world. Mr. High representative, dear colleagues, we need to see tehran and iraq as part of a broader picture. Regimesore totalitarian which are becoming more aggressive, and we see more meddling and destabilization. In syria, the middle east, iran and iraq, the northeast next to russia. Some of those regimes imagine that the powers increasing and the power of the west is diminished. That is temptation for them to become more aggressive. We need to see that the u. S. Is diminishing in the region come and nato to be more present. Until now we have been speaking of strategic autonomy, we are able to show a sense of this is a way to have more instability and chaos in our neighborhood. Mr. Vice president , during procedures used for very convincingly that if you want to be globally significant, it needs to be powerful to bring stability in its neighborhood. It is time to implement your vision. Thank you very much. Now for one minute thank you very much. In the middle east, the start of the year was marked by unilateral action on behalf of executing the general was a major mistake. Taking the Nuclear Agreement and the shooting down of the ukrainian plane has contributed to tension. Now the eu wants to promote dialogue and reduce tension and has called for the compliance with human rights so that the demonstrators are no longer oppressed in iran. On friday, we need to have, in addition to the mandate of the high representative, so that the Nuclear Agreement can be saved. This is all taken too long. What is essential for all of them but particularly for the middle east. Very much, madam president. Recent events in iraq and iran shows us how fragile the stability in the world is, and that escalation is never far away. Moreover, we have to realize that the eu must combine its strengths to protect our global interests. We need to speak more with one voice. Militaryith serious capacities. It is good that the eu wants to keep the nuclear deal alive, but we have also to warn iran. Iranian demonstrators are not to be harmed, and the eu will have to be firm to protect universal rights of demonstration by iranian people, and i call upon the high representative to double its efforts in initiating a dialogue between the u. S. And iran. That is the only way forward out of this hazardous situation. Thank you very much, and a president manna present. Thank you very much. Now for one minute thank you very much, high representative. Let me start with a note of realism. Our european half is weak in this conflict, our role is small. But if we want to take our responsibilities seriously, we have to stick together and coordinate well, and the coordination should be in the is hisf the hrep, as responsibility. We want to defend jcpoa, but at the same time we must push back clearly against iranian aggression in other dimensions of its foreign policy. How can we keep the jcpoa alive . Not if we dont insist on building inspector and making it functional. The commission could put capital into inspects and become a partner. The last note i want to strike is this there are many dark clouds. There was one signal of hope, and that is the engagement of the iranian citizens and just recently iraqi citizens. Euhink it is our duty as an to show effective solidarity with them. [applause] thank you very much. Now for one minute im sorry. Im sorry, it is my mistake. Sorry. Mr. Meyer for one minute. Thank you, mrs. President. Thank you. What we are going through i piece onan ego theater both sides, following domestic political reasons that determine how they are behaving in the u. S. We dont see criticism of the supposed terrorists by the democrats. We see in iran people on the calm. S remaining that shows the americans were successful in their attack. Impact of the an shooting down of the passenger trump hasn november, an election. The u. S. Like this proactive approach when it comes to terrorists. That is what we should do. Terrorists should be. With harshly dealt with harshly. The Iranian Regime is relying on International Solidarity for its people. Otherwise it couldnt continue in office. Thank you. Blue card. The floor is yours. Mr. Meyer, in connection with the shooting down of the ukrainian aircraft, you talk about it being bad luck. Apologize tored to this house for saying it was bad luck . You cant describe such an action as bad luck. That is extremely cynical. [applause] meyer, now your response, please. R, i thinkikofe whether it is bad luck or misfortune, iran has stated it was accidental. Please dont exploit the victims for that cheap pitterpatter. The floor is yours, please. You, thank you very much. The situation is extremely serious. To speak lot need oud, shout at each other with arrogance. This particular discussion has created any sense of optimism today. What we have to do is look at the problems that exist, the possibilities for developing humanitarian aid. This might be a means that the European Union would use. The situation is very serious, and weve seen that the military missions through iraq from nato and the United States call for to leave, this particular call for them to leave is irresponsible, because iraq requires military support from particularly with the presence of daesh and their activities there. Inh regard to the yazidis iraq, the situation is difficult. Are they going to be turned to iraq or be able to return to iraq . What will happen to the minorities there . We have to adhere to the various resolutions that we have voted. Otherwise our behavior in this particular fashion is quite irresponsible. Thet now, unfortunately, European Union is very far away from the development. One minute. Thank you. Donald trump frightens people. Nd frightens the citizens trendworldwar has been a for days. And you cannot even condemn the actions of the american president. I dont understand that. Countrieshat european in syria, afghanistan, the middle east, see what a disaster wha that was. You want more disasters . Want to reassure lets turncitizens, to against nato which is dragging us into war. Lets respect the decision of the Iraqi Parliament that has asked for foreign troops to be and stop sanctions against iran, which is destroying the country. Thank you. Before christmas i told this parliament that the Nuclear Agreement with iran, jcpoa, was dead, and we urgently needed plan b. Representative, it gives me no pleasure to say this, but it is true and the eu needs to wake up you the jcpoa is not sustaining peace and security. It is starting to do the opposite. America has left the agreement, iran has restarted centrifuges. Germany, france, and the youk have triggered a defense mechanism. The only way to keep Nuclear Weapons out of iran, restore trade, free political prisoners, and support human rights is to restore friendships in washington, tehran. Not tehran. As well as turning centrifuges off and thinking about human rights, plant b has to be irans agreement to stop proxy attacks against the u. S. Then the eu can return to what he does best, namely trade. Only the u. S. Has the resource, the relationships, and the firepower to underpin successful alternative to the jcpoa and peace in the region. [applause] thank you. Now for one minute thank you very much, representative. Down shot down a commercial airplane. All 176 passengers died. Our thoughts go to their families. S. Victims were swede i would like the eu to condemn the shooting down more violently and short call for complete compensation for the countries. The families are entitled to know what happened, are entitled to compensation. Let me also be very clear, we are nearing protests against the time, iran, and at this the eu needs to support the Democratic Forces within the country more forcefully. Thank you. Caller thank you. Now for one minute securityent, the situation in iran is very difficult, and we are on the b rink of fullscale war. The relationship between iran and america is very poor, indeed, and the eu has to do something to reduce tensions and develop our own policy visavis iran, where we make it clear that what we want to see is a peaceful future where we respect the democratic rights. Last week, an airplane was shot down by accident. 176 passengers were killed. And the reason was that there wa between thettention u. S. And iran. 17 of the passengers were swedish. Some of them were young people or children. Insight and full the Member States want full insight, and the families must have full information and compensation, and we stand by them in this disaster that has struck them. Thank you very much. Now for one minute amidmmissioner borrell, ongoing tensions between iran, the u. S. , and the u. K. , the eu must step up as a mediator. Any discussion you have with your iranian counterpart should prioritize the protection of eu citizens. A number of eu nationals are being held illegally in iran, including my constituent who has spent almost four years in prison. Her treatment is part of a pattern of hostage diplomacy by iran, and must be taken seriously. Richard, issband, here at the Parliament Today and tomorrow, and im urging you to accept my invitation to meet with the two of us. He and other families of unlawfully detained eu citizens once to see you put their loved ones first. Human rights cannot simply be nice to have. They are nonnegotiable. This has to form part of any current or future agreement worked out with iran. [applause] 2020 democratic president ial candidates joe biden, pete buttigieg, senator in the klobuchar, and senator Elizabeth Warren speak at the Iowa Education Association union in des moines. Watch that Live Saturday here on cspan. Then on sunday, it is pete buttigieg, the ball patrick, amy klobuchar, along with the sloop of war andalong with elizabeth arren on money in politics on the 10th anniversary of the Citizens United decision. You can watch all of our rrograms online at cspan. Org o listen live on the cspan radio app. Over the next two weeks on q a, we are focusing on the new hedger president ial primary in the iowa caucuses. Sunday night, longtime New Hampshire Union Leader Publisher and now editor at large talks about his states primary history, and the current state of politics in New Hampshire. You have to is always different. I think itNew Hampshire is always different. I think it appreciates being first, and people turn out. It is one of the highest turnout states at least in primaries in the country. White andso too not representative of the country, then with the exception of bloomberg, who is not cited that as a reason, why are all these other candidates coming to New Hampshire . Watches sunday night at 8 00 p. M. Eastern on cspans q a. Body, thisell this chamber exists precisely, precisely, madam president , so we can look past the daily dramas and understand how our actions will reverberate for generations. So that we can put aside animal reflexes and animosities and coolly consider how to best serve our country in the long run. So that we can break factional fevers before they jeopardize the core institutions of our government. It, only theut senate, with confidence enough in its own situation, can preserve uninfluenced the necessary impartiality between an individual accused and the representatives of the people, his accusers. Housesesident, the hour is over. The senates time is at hand. It is time for this route body proud body to honor our founding purpose. Sen. Schumer here is what Alexander Hamilton warned of in federalist 65 the greatest danger is that a decision in an impeachment trial will be regulated more by the comparative strength of the parties than by the real demonstration of innocence or guilt. Alexander hamilton, even before the day Political Parties were as strong as they are today, wanted us to come together. The leader wants to do things on his own without any democratic input. But fortunately, we have the right to demand votes and to work hard as we can for a fair trial. A. A a full trial. A trial with witnesses. A trial with documents. The founders anticipated that the impeachment trial would always be buffeted by the winds of politics, but they gave the power to the senate anyway, for they believe the chamber was the only place where impartial justice could be sought. In the coming days, these a mental an important coming day eventful an important coming days, each of us will face a choice about whether to begin this trial in search of the truth or in the service of the president s desire to cover up and rush things through. For the third time in history, a president is on trial in the u. S. And. Theh live tuesday when trial resumes at 1 00 eastern on cspan2. Followed cameras democratic president ial candidate Deval Patrick as he campaigned in New Hampshire. The former Massachusetts Governor started at a forum in dover. Later in newmarket, mr. Patrick took questions assault weapons and other issues. Nice to see you. Mr. Patrick thank you for doing this. Oh, my gosh, so grateful [indiscernible]