UN official urges collective efforts to solve dust storm problem

“I appreciate people of Khuzestan who talked with me about terrible conditions of their city. During my current trip to Iran, I will not be able to visit Khuzestan since I have to take a tour to Orumiyeh which has been planned previously,” the message reads.

“As you know, Orumiyeh also suffers from sand and dust storms. I have held talks with Iranian officials on dust problem. Be sure that the UN officials and the Iranian government have reached agreements to do their best to solve the problem,” the message also reads.

“I know that people of Ahvaz city want to be informed about the plans to prevent dust storm in the future. I have two suggestions: first of all, wetlands should be controlled more than ever, more trees should be planted, and water resources should be managed better than before,” the message reads.

“I also know very well that the Iranian government is trying hard. Cooperation of other countries like Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Iraq is also required because what happens in these countries directly affects Iran,” he said.

According to the UN Information Center in Tehran (UNIC), Solheim who arrived in Tehran on Feb 24 is expected to meet senior officials in Tehran and focus on expanding regional cooperation on environmental issues.

9376**1771