Iran to take part in Moscow conference on Afghanistan

September 18, 2023 - 21:52

TEHRAN- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani told a regular news briefing on Monday that the next summit on Afghanistan in Moscow will be attended by special officials from many nations, including Iran.

Iran constantly reiterates its support for regional organizations working to advance Afghanistan’s democratic process, Kanaani said.

The Islamic Republic has also made significant efforts in this direction, he added.

“Our view on Afghanistan is clear, and in this context, we will participate in the upcoming meeting held in Moscow, and we will follow these consultations with various parties, including the Afghan ruling body,” the spokesperson continued.

Security pact between Iran, Iraq

The spokesperson also referred to a security agreement between Tehran and Baghdad over disarming and removing anti-revolution armed separatist groups headquartered in the semi-autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan region, repeating that the final deadline would expire on September 19 and will not be postponed in any way.

The Iraqi government has officially declared that it is committed to the terms of the agreement and will fulfill its obligations, according to Kanaani, who expressed hope that the Iraqi government will fully implement the agreement given the emphasis placed on meetings between officials from the two neighboring countries.

Iran-IAEA cooperation 

Kanaani also said Tehran opposes the politicization of the IAEA in favor of particular nations in response to Iran’s recent decision to deny entry to several IAEA inspectors.

He did, however, assert that the Safeguards Agreement will serve as the basis for the two sides’ ongoing communication.

“We do not set any restrictions on cooperation and constructive interactions with the agency. We will continue such cooperation with emphasis on the impartiality of the UN body,” the Iranian diplomat said.

EU renewal of anti-Iran sanctions is legally ineffective

The spokesperson also reacted to the European Union and European trio (E3) decision not to relax the arms embargo against Iran, saying the measure lacked legal and international weight.

“After October 18, the restrictions stipulated under the JCPOA (the Iran nuclear deal) will be automatically lifted. We do not value the restrictions announced by the European Union. Under international law, Iran can cooperate and interact with any country that is willing to cooperate with it,” he added.

Growth in Iran’s foreign trade exchanges

Commenting on the relations between the Iranian government and Asian nations, he also stated that during the last two years Iran has seen an increase in international commerce based on the official figures that are accessible concerning Iran’s economic exchanges with its partners.

The transfer of assets, the rise in oil exports, the growth of diplomatic ties, and Iran’s participation in international organizations are all signs that the government’s foreign policy is working, he said.

U.S. government is “ill” and needs “medical attention”

Kanaani also indicated that Iran will take proper steps in reaction to Western restrictions placed on specific Iranian media outlets.

He chastised the U.S. government's move, saying it is “addicted to sanctions” and in need of rehabilitation.

United States must pay attention to Syria’s requests

Elsewhere in his presser, he said that the presence of the U.S. military in Syria equates to occupation, and no movement is permitted in the Arab country without the approval of the Damascus government.

“The Americans’ presence is illegal, and they should pay attention to the Syrian government’s demand,” he added.

Concerning Iran’s proposal to evacuate Turkish forces from Syria, Kanaani stated that Iran has always worked to address disputes between Syria and Turkey. However, he said, the issues should be settled via a political process.

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