Speaking at a meeting with former French Prime Minister and Minister of Social Affairs, Labour and Solidarity François Fillon on Saturday, Head of Iran’s Expediency Council Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani pointed to the proper stance of the European Union (EU) on Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen adding “one blatant mistake of Saudi Arabia is waging war in Yemen by forming a coalition of certain Arabic countries.”
Rafsanjani deemed Yemenis as nimble, persistent, and content people maintaining “recent events indicate that Saudi Arabia has become disappointed with the war in Yemen while recent positions taken by EU and the US who are against the war has been influential in their frustration.”
“War in Yemen will be extremely costly for Saudis,” highlighted the official explaining “Saudi Arabia is very vulnerable in Yemen war and eventually will be forced to accept a ceasefire.”
Pointing to the critical situation of Yemen, Syria, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan and Algeria, Hashemi Rafsanjani cited dictatorship, colonialism and terrorism as main problems of the region.
“Colonialism and despotism irritates people and upon seeking to overturn the authoritarian power, they become afflicted with a virus called terrorism which destroys lives of people,” he continued.
Head of Iran’s Expediency Council further said “the US entered Afghanistan under the guise of providing peace and fighting against drugs while the situation has become worsened today.”
“There exits a contradiction in West's action and speech in the fight against terrorism,” emphasized the official asserting “West contradiction in speech and action has complicated the real fights against terrorism.”
In respone to the French official’s request for help in the fight against terrorism, Rafsanjani said “we have been dealing with terrorism since the beginning of the Islamic Revolution while we have managed to thwart all attacks since we enjoy the backing of the Iranian nation.”
“The root cause of terrorism needs to be eliminated and the goal requires a long-term and a relatively costly plan,” he commented.
“We seek to have a calm and peaceful Middle East and,” noted Rafsanjani expressing readiness to cooperate with all countries in this regard.
Former French Prime Minister and Minister of Social Affairs, Labour and Solidarity Fillon, for his part, said “the Islamic Republic of Iran plays a pivotal role in settlement of regional problems.”
He stressed that “Iran is an ancient and big country and the existence of a powerful nation in the Middle East, like Iran, is exceptional.”
“The Europe's future depends on establishment of peace and prosperity,”said Fillon, adding, “the critical situation of Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen and Libya is very dangerous for the stability of the world.”
“We are looking for mutual respect, expansion of relations between the French and Iranian companies, friendly relations and interaction between students and professors as well with Iran,” concluded the French official.
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