The European Union issued a blistering attack on Iran's...

The European Union issued a blistering attack on Iran's human rights record but stopped short from agreeing to table or co-sponsor a United Nations General Assembly resolution that would single out Iran for its human rights violations.
In a session devoted to human rights in Iran, EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg criticised the country's continuing use of the death penalty, public executions, torture, amputation as an alternative punishment and arbitrary detentions.
"The situation with regard to freedom of opinion and expression continues to be deeply troubling, especially on the eve of parliamentary elections," the council said.
Ministers, however, insisted the "establishment of a dialogue [with Iran] is without prejudice to the tabling or co-sponsoring of a resolution at the third committee of the United Nations General Assembly or the Commission on Human Rights." The third committee was responsible for human rights.
Diplomats said the two-pronged strategy by ministers meeting in Luxembourg was aimed at sending a message to both reformers and conservatives.
The EU wanted to maintain for a long as possible its human rights dialogue that started with Iran at the beginning of 2003. While Iranian reformers believed the dialogue was one way to introduce reforms and prevent Iran from being isolated, Iranian conservatives resented any discussions of human rights.