Speaking in a press conference after his meeting with the Iranian foreign minister, Martin Griffiths expressed hope that the relationship between Iran and the UN will be expanded.
“Humanitarian agencies, and people like myself representing them everywhere in the world where there are sanctions, work very hard to mitigate the impact of those sanctions in humanitarian terms, and Iran is no different from anywhere else in that regard,” he said.
He added sanctions are applied in different ways “but our efforts to mitigate them do not differ in different countries, whether it is in Iran, in Syria, in Afghanistan or elsewhere.”
He also said that the UN relief bodies are very often assisted by decisions from key member states to provide an exemption through the Security Council and through humanitarian operations, saying, “We diligently pursue the implementation of those exemptions.”
Griffiths further said UN agencies have also in Iran imported medical and health supplies to make sure that they are usable and used for the people of Iran.
“Our interest in sanctions is not political, it’s humanitarian, and it just seeks to ensure where people need humanitarian aid, sanctions do not impede their access to that aid,” he noted.
Referring to the situation in Afghanistan, he called on the countries that have committed to sending humanitarian aid to Afghanistan to fulfill their obligations. Griffiths also urged the Taliban to fulfill their responsibilities towards the people of Afghanistan.
He also pointed to the Yemen issue, saying that the important action that can be taken for the Yemeni people, including children, women and men, is establishing peace.
The ceasefire is a very important issue, he added, saying that establishing peace and a ceasefire is necessary for the country.
Back in February 2022, Amir-Abdollahian and Griffiths held talks in Geneva, Switzerland. The two sides discussed a variety of issues including Yemen, Syria, as well as the Ukraine war.
Amir-Abdollahian stressed in the meeting that Iran supports a political solution to the Ukraine conflict and supports neither side of the war.
MNA/FNA14020205000270
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