TEHRAN – In separate meetings with South African Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane in Tehran President Hassan Rouhani and Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani have said that Iran is determined to resolve the nuclear standoff with the West.

Iran has shown “strong determination” in resolving the nuclear issue with the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany) Rouhani said on Monday.

“Our basis in the talks is respecting and observing the international regulations and at the same time doing peaceful nuclear activities in the area of nuclear technology on the path of development,” the president stated.

He also said that Iran has always said the policy of “pressure and economic sanctions” is “wrong” and “harmful” to all sides.

-----Iran seeks ‘honesty’, ‘seriousness’ in nuclear talks-----

Larijani said nuclear talks will reach conclusion if the 5+1 group show “honesty and seriousness”.

Iran has always been “serious and determined” during the nuclear talks, Larijani stated in the meeting with Nkoana-Mashabane.

For her part, Nkoana-Mashabane said that South Africa supports nuclear talks between Iran and the six major powers.

She also said sanctions run contrary to the international regulations, adding that South Africa has suffered from the sanctions against Iran.


------‘Virus of terrorism’--------

Elsewhere in his remarks in the meeting with South Africa’s chief diplomat, Rouhani said all should cooperate in countering against the “virus of violence and terrorism”.

“Virus of violence and terrorism” is spreading over the world and all should cooperate in countering against this “dangerous virus”, the president stated.


---------- ‘Good political ties’--------

Rouhani said that Tehran is willing to expand economic relations with Pretoria.

Nkoana-Mashabane also said that “good political ties” between the two countries should be used to boost economic ties. She also called for expansion of ties with Iran in various areas given Iran’s “important and influential” status in the world.

Larijani also said that Iran has always welcomed expansion of “friendly” relations with South Africa after the end of the apartheid system. He added it is essential to remove obstacles to the path of expanding economic relations.

The Majlis speaker went on to say that cooperation between Iran and South Africa can be conducive for a long lasting peace and security in the world.

Elsewhere in his remarks, he stated that “international cooperation” is the only way to resolve problems in the world.

-------‘No military solution to Yemen crisis’-------

Rouhani also highlighted the importance of helping the war-stricken people, specifically those in Yemen.

Commenting on the crisis in Yemen, the South African minister stated that “military solutions” have never been successful in resolving problems.

Current problems can only be solved through “diplomacy and dialogue”, she added.

She described terrorism as an “international danger” and said that Iran and South Africa can cooperate in countering against terrorism.

Larijani also said “military attack” is not a solution to the countries’ domestic problems.

On the Yemen crisis, Larijani said various political groups should be provided with an opportunity to hold dialogue and a safe situation should be created to help the injured people.

NA/PA