The Council of the EU has not passed its final decision on full ban on oil imports from Iran, which was initially planned for July 1, ITAR-TASS reports.
Foreign ministers of EU states were expected to pass the embargo in Luxembourg today. The talks were postponed until late May, as insisted on by Italy and Greece. The two states need stabilizing programs to reduce budget expenses.
The EU purchases about 20% of all Iranian oil exports. Greece, Italy and Spain are the main purchasers, transporting oil via tankers.
Foreign ministers of 27 EU states met in Brussels on January 23 and approved the embargo on Iranian oil exports. The new package of sanctions includes a gradual ban on imports of petroleum from Iran. The embargo will come into full force on July 1. Southern states of the EU are to analyze remaining contracts at the Council of the EU in April.
Athens and Rome may as well be trying to gain some time before the next talks of six mediators with Iran in Baghdad on May 23. Success at the meeting may postpone or freeze the ban on Iranian oil exports.
