FM condemns US sanctions against Venezuela

He made the remarks in a meeting with the Venezuela's vice president and Planning Minister Carlos Jose Menendez who was in Iran to attend the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's inauguration ceremony.

'We trusted in our domestic capacities and our people capabilities,' Zarif said, while elaborating Iran experience in countering US sanctions.

'Iran's advancements in various economic and technological fields have roots in sanctions and resistance of our people,' he added.

The official said that Iran has always supported the demands of Venezuelan people and government.

He voiced hope for return of peace to the Venezuela, adding that Tehran condemns Washington new sanctions against Caracas.

American officials suppose sanctions a capital that they can use as leverage against other countries and for this reason they have recently imposed sanctions against Iran and Russia, Zarif said.

He welcomed devotement of cooperation with Caracas in oil fields, adding that Tehran as a member of non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is ready to help Venezuela to counter the US sanctions.

The Venezuelan official, for his part, thanked Iran's support for his country against the threats and pressures.

Venezuela wants use of Iran experience in countering the sanctions, he said.

The Venezuelan vice president said that US pressures and threats should be used as an opportunity to boost bilateral ties.

Caracas will always side with Tehran, he noted.

9191**2050