Iran believes that the emergence and the rooting of radical terrorist groups in the Middle East, as well as the bloody events in Syria and Iraq, are the result of the misguided policies of foreign powers in that region.
Iran believes that terrorism and radicalism in the Middle East represent an evil that breeds bloody events and disasters, said Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Russia Mehdi Sanaei at a news conference dedicated to the 36th anniversary of the Iranian revolution.
The Iranian side has serious doubts about the goals and the methods of the international coalition that is fighting ISIS. Iran and Russia see eye-to-eye on this issue, as both countries believe that dividing terrorism into "good" and "bad" could end badly for that region and for the world in general.
He also added that terrorist groups and illegal organizations have received extensive support in the region over the past three years. They have been armed and equipped, and then from their ranks emerged even tougher offshoots like ISIS. But Iran still hopes that NATO's views on this matter will become more realistic.
Mr Sanaei reminded those present that Iran has always opposed terrorism and radicalism in the region. Even though Iran itself came under attacks by radical groups for its beliefs, its principled position to maintain peace in the region has remained unchanged.
Regarding the situation in Syria and the talks between the opposition leaders and representatives of the Syrian government held in Moscow in late January, Mehdi Sanaei said that Iran and Russia already have fairly extensive experience when it comes to cooperation on the Syrian situation. The two countries have held regular consultations, and the expertise they gained as they tried to settle the issue can be applied in Iraq, Afghanistan and Central Asia. Sanaei is confident that the talks will improve the situation. However, speaking about the recent Moscow meeting between the Syrian government and the opposition, he said that the dialogue could be more effective if more participants are involved.
Elaborating on Russian-Iranian relations, the ambassador said that much had been done to improve them in 2014. In the area of nuclear energy alone, three documents on cooperation, including on the construction of a second and third nuclear power units at the Bushehr NPP, were signed. In addition, a permit to supply seafood from Iran to Russia was obtained, and a permit to export dairy products is in the works.
Speaking about the deterioration of the situation in Ukraine, Mehdi Sanaei said that the crisis can be resolved only through dialogue and mutual understanding. This is the only possible solution, because fighting and escalation of the conflict won’t bring anyone any good.
Iran and the changes that have taken place in that country over the last 36 years following the revolution were the central theme of the press conference. Ambassador Sanaei said that he is proud of the Iranian people as they confidently continue on their path and strive to achieve their goals. Despite the fact that Iran has been faced with various problems and difficulties all along, including economic sanctions and other attempts to exert pressure on it, his country managed to become an economically strong and independent nation. Democratic elections were held there in 2013, with Hassan Rouhani becoming the new president.
