Iran's nuclear activities will never be halted: Leader

Ayatollah Khamenei also said that the Islamic Republic of Iran would not back down on its nuclear activities, calling the issue a “red line” for Iran.

He suggested that Iran and Venezuela should utilize their significant political affinities to develop bilateral cooperation and confront the oppressor powers.

The Leader went on to say that the Iranian and Venezuelan nations should be strengthened through economic and intellectual development so that the United States and other major powers can not challenge them.

He expressed satisfaction about the great victory of Chavez and the Venezuelan nation against the U.S. conspiracies.

Ayatollah Khamenei called Simon Bolivar the great revolutionary fighter of Latin America, saying Bolivar was the father of Latin America and the symbol of national resistance.

The Leader also noted that Iran has experienced various kinds of threats over the past 25 years, and added that the U.S. and other major powers are well aware of the fact that Iran is not attempting to produce nuclear weapons, but they are pressuring Iran in order to force it to back down on its nuclear program.

Emphasizing that Iran’s red lines were observed in the recent negotiations in Vienna between Iran, the European Union, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ayatollah Khamenei said that the IAEA would lose its international standing if it came under the influence of the United States and its allies.

The IAEA is expected to adopt an impartial attitude toward all countries, Ayatollah Khamenei said in conclusion.

For his part, Chavez expressed satisfaction about his meeting with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and thanked Iran for its support for the Venezuelan nation.

He also referred to the threats of the United States against Venezuela, saying that Latin America has experienced U.S. interference in its internal affairs for the past 200 years.

He went on to say that there is evidence that the events of the past two years in Venezuela, such as the coup attempt and the economic crises, were planned in the United States.

Chavez pointed out that the Venezuelan people’s national solidarity defeated the U.S. conspiracies, including the plot to hold a referendum meant to destabilize the country, and said that the Venezuelan nation announces its solidarity with the Iranian nation against the U.S. threats and is ready to boost bilateral cooperation with the Islamic Republic in all areas.

Iranian President Mohammad Khatami also attended the meeting.

SA/HG

End

MNA