EU working to free Swedish official jailed in Iran: Foreign policy chief

By Selen Temizer

BRUSSELS (AA) - The EU foreign policy chief said Tuesday that the bloc is working to get the release of Swedish EU diplomat Johan Floderus, who has been detained in Iran for more than 500 days.

The comments by "We are working for his release, for him to regain his freedom," Josep Borrell said at a plenary session on Iran at the European Parliament General Assembly in Strasbourg, France.

He said the EU has been working for Floderus’ release from the very beginning and it will continue with the tools at its disposal.

Borrell said the EU should maintain a political engagement approach with Iran as it is "essential to keep diplomatic channels open" to protect the bloc's citizens, interests and support for the fundamental rights of Iranians.

Regarding members of parliament's criticism of the EU's failure to put the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps on the terror list, Borrell said it would only be possible after a court ruling in a member state.