Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Iran stresses talks on equal footing: Hosseini

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tabriz, East Azarbaijan Prov, April 24, IRNA
Iran-Spokesman-Nuclear
Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini said on Monday that Iran stresses continuation of talks on equal footing and on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in domestic affairs.

"Tendency towards isolation, suspension of ties or even reducing relations have never been among Iran's strategies," Hosseini said in a question and answer meeting held at Tabriz University.

He added, "The main stance of the West and the US in particular on the Islamic Republic of Iran has been based on rejecting the fact that it as an independent and accountable country which plays important role in regional and international equations.

"All macro and micro policies of the West on Iran emanate from such an unprincipled and unreal view."

Since establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the West has used issues such as human rights, support for terrorism, rights of women and minorities, opposition to the trend of so-called peace process in the Middle East, efforts to cause insecurity in Iraq and Afghanistan and finally Iran's peaceful nuclear case to target independence and ruling system of the country, he said.

"The US explicitly speaks of a regime change in one of the most popular and democratic states of the region and the world under the slogan of support for democracy," Hosseini said.

He stressed the importance of adopting a decision and efforts which would revise the West's approach and stabilize Iran's real position.

Hosseini said such an approach would not mean denial of the West or an appropriate interaction with Western states.

"With respect to Iran's foreign policy, senior officials of the system have always stressed the need for amicable and fair relations with all countries except the illegitimate Zionist regime.

"During the previous year, the government did its utmost to move in the path of confidence-building with all agents of the international system and give clear response to all their questions and ambiguities."

The spokesman said, "Politicians in the government strive to use diplomatic strategies to promote confidence, establish an atmosphere of goodwill and inform the world and neighboring states in particular of peaceful purposes of the country's nuclear program which is a national demand aiming to promote Iran's long-term economic goals.

"We have always kept doors of negotiation and interaction with members of the international community and interested states open while we will never give up legal right of the Iranian nation to meet its national interests."
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