Iran FM underlines need to fight extremism, terrorism

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of Munich Security Council on Sunday, he added that Iran has always made serious proposals in this regard including a comprehensive security program.

“At the height of the imposed war in 1989, we proposed establishing a regional security system in the Persian Gulf to the UN, based on which Resolution 598 was passed,” he said.

“Our proposal today is based on a correct understanding of regional realities and in all proposals, we have insisted that Yemeni solution should be a political one as today all have reached this reality,” Zarif said.

Underlining political solution to the crises, he said that some do things similar to bubbles on water, but what the Islamic Republic has insisted on is countering extremism and terrorism and striving for regional peace and security.

Zarif also said that his Munich visit which took place following a very successful trip to India by President Hassan Rouhani was an opportunity to make a suitable move.

He dismissed claims made by Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubair and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against Iran during Munich Security Council on Sunday, describing them as bubbles on water.

Asked about Russia and Iran’s deterrent actions versus Turkey’s attacks on Afrin, he said, “Whatever we did was meant to prevent operations endangering Syria's independence and therefore we do not approve of it, as it will not benefit anybody.”

“We consulted with our Turkish neighbors and warned them about US destructive policies as well as repercussions of such policies and we believe that military action is not a suitable move in this respect,” he said.

On his trip to Moscow and taking part in International Valdai Conference, Zarif said that he and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov will deliver keynote speeches at the beginning of the event.

Stressing the need for preserving the JCPOA, he said that some say something about other issues which have nothing to do with the international pact.

The JCPOA was reached based on a common understanding, he said, complaining about bad promises which prevented Iran from taking full advantages of the JCPOA.

Zarif also said that he is to hold talks with Sergey Lavrov on Monday.
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