Europe

Europe’s indifference strengthened terrorists: Rouhani

Hassan-Rouhani

 

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has criticized the Europeans for failing to deal with terror threats in due time, saying the lack of a timely European Union response led to a rise in terrorism and violence.

In a meeting with visiting President of the Belgian Senate Christine Defraigne in Tehran, Rouhani described terrorism as a great threat to the entire world and said all resources must be mobilized to uproot terror.

“Unfortunately, in the years when terrorism began to grip people in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, Europe remained indifferent to some extent, and only engaged in the fight against this evil phenomenon after it extended to Europe,”  Rouhani said.

Rouhani also called for the fight against all types of terror groups, saying the terrorists should not be divided into good and bad ones in pursuit of “short-term interests.”

The Iranian president further said everyone should help cut the flow of money and weapons to the terrorist groups, particularly the ones operating in the Middle East, stressing, “We must not allow the terrorists to loot Syria oil and Iraqi antiquities.”

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (R) meets with President of the Belgian Senate Christine Defraigne in Tehran on April 30, 2016. (Photo by IRNA)

Elsewhere in his comments, Rouhani hailed the European Union’s role in the diplomatic efforts that culminated in the nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1 states – Russia, China, France, Britain, the US and Germany – last July.

He added that the landmark nuclear accord proved that dialogue is the key to the resolution of complicated global issues.

The Iranian chief executive further emphasized the need for the enhancement of Tehran-Brussels ties in all areas, particularly economy, saying Tehran welcomes the presence of Belgian investors and businessmen in the Iranian market.

The senior Belgian parliamentarian also praised Iran’s efforts in the fight against terrorism, stressing the Islamic Republic’s vital role in protecting regional stability.

Iran can play a significant part in efforts to eliminate terrorism, said Defraigne, adding that Brussels stands by Tehran in its anti-terror struggles.

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