In his speech to the 15th International Conference on Central Asia and the Caucasus in Tehran, Mottaki stated Iran believes that realizing this goal is an international obligation which requires a multilateral security approach.
“Basically we can attain security by using the region’s capabilities and therefore we do not accept military means as a solution to the security problems in the region.”
He suggested that indigenous strategies were “the best way” to restore security in the region and insisted that regional strategies must be based on solidarity, cooperation, and mutual confidence.
The minister noted that peaceful coexistence depends on cooperation and interaction among cultures, nations, and religions, especially in implementation of principles and regulations which would be acceptable to all.
“If the region’s issues are not solved and managed correctly, not only the region...but the entire world’s security will be influenced,” he added.
Regarding the U.S. efforts to impose unilateral sanctions against Iran, he said since Washington had failed to prove that Iran was seeking nuclear weapons, it was seeking to open a new front against Tehran.
He said the new cooperation between the Islamic Republic and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has played a very important role in proving that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful. “This cooperation led the U.S. to think about changing its approach, and for this it has brought up the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps issue.”
“U.S. policies have ruined the image of that government,” he said.
Referring to Iran’s stance towards terrorism, he said that fighting this issue is a national, regional, and international duty.
Asked about a need for security arrangements to fight terrorism in the region, the top diplomat said Tehran believes that with a cooperation of the six Persian Gulf Cooperation Council members plus Iraq, Yemen, and Iran a security treaty could be reached to attain regional security.
“I proposed this to my Saudi counterpart, Prince Saud al-Faisal at the Arab League gathering,” he added.
“We have prepared the grounds for bringing the issue to fruition just like the free trading proposal between Iran and the Arab league. Iran has always been a pioneer for reaching security in the region through cooperation,” he added.
RVA/RMN
END
MNA