FM: Extension of sanctions discredits US
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
New Delhi, Dec 3, IRNA -- Extension of Iran's Sanctions Act (ISA) for another decade by US will discredit Washington at the international level, said Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Saturday.
He made the remarks upon arrival at the New Delhi airport.
The US unilateral sanctions will have no impact on the third countries' relations with Iran, the official added.
Zarif made the remarks while commenting on the latest anti-Iran move by the US lawmakers who on December 1st unanimously voted for extension of the ISA for another ten years and sent it to the White House to be signed by President Barack Obama.
As it was the duty of the US officials in the past to stop implementation of sanctions against Iran, they have the same duty at present, Zarif stressed.
He made it clear that if the US president signs the sanctions act, it will dicredit his country at the international level despite the fact that the act has no executive impact.
Zarif stressd that since the ISA 'has no impact on entrepreneurs, we will not discuss it during this visit' (to India).
The Iranian foreign minister said the main objective of his visit to India is to attend the Heart of Asia Conference.
He is slated to hold talks with ranking Indian officials and take part in an eco-political meeting in New Delhi.
The foreign minister is accompanied by a 38-member delegation from Iran's Chamber of Commerce, 15 Iranian knowledge-based companies and 8 trade banks.
The delegation which also includes a number of industrial, commercial and scientific officials will hold talks with Indian trade officials and take part in joint economic meetings with India, China and Japan.
The Heart of Asia conference is scheduled to be held in Amritsar on December 3-4.
The sixth Heart of Asia conference is expected to see attendance of leaders from around 30 countries including US, Russia, China and Iran. The theme will be connectivity and increasing security in and around the Afghan region.
The discussions will revolve primarily on peace, cooperation and economic growth in Afghanistan and neighbouring regions. India is the co-chair and host this time and Afghanistan is the permanent chair of the conference.
Zarif is to outline Iran's policies on promotion of peace and stability in heart of Asia especially in Afghanistan during his speech in the conference.
India visit comes at the first leg of the Iranian foreign minister to Southeast of Asia. He will proceed to China and Japan from here upon the invitations of his Chinese and Japanese counterparts.
This is Zarif's third visit to the country as foreign minister.
According to the Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi on Wednesday, Zarif is to hold talks with several high-ranking Chinese and Japanese officials and attend the joint trade meetings in these Asian countries.
He said Zarif would review the latest regional and international developments with senior officials during his Asian tour.
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