Foreign minister reviews IRI human rights gains

IRI Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said
Iran offers the most successful model in practicing Islamic human rights in the contemporary world.

Addressing the 19th meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, the Iranian foreign minister stressed the significant position of the body with the Iranian government and said the meeting was sensitive and important since it coincided with important developments in the Middle East.

Condemning the inhuman act of the US troops in Afghanistan in desecration of the Holy Quran, he described it as a behavior contrary to ethical values, human dignity and sublime position of religions.

He called on the UN Human Rights Council to condemn the act as it violates a basic principle of the human rights which entails respect to religions and religious values.

Referring to the significant steps taken by the Middle East nations in the past one year in moving towards achieving democracy, prosperity and independence, he noted that elections in Tunisia and Egypt are indications to the will of the regional nations to build a future based on justice and spirituality.

He reiterated Iran’s commitment to sustaining close and brotherly ties with these countries and said Iran will certainly
continue to support the legitimate demands of these nations.

The Iranian Foreign Minister further described Iran as the most successful Islamic experience in the contemporary world which is based on true democratic principles and has managed to gain remarkable achievements in science, technology, social justice, women’s status and respecting rights of religious minorities through relying on the will of people.

Salehi also pointed to pressures exerted on Iran in the international arenas following the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution in the country and cited sanctions and encouraging terrorist groups as measures taken by certain western countries to confront Iran.