Isolating Iran will not help global peace

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva says world powers should avoid isolating Iran over its nuclear program, as it would not help secure global peace.

“Peace in the world does not mean isolating someone,” Lula said at a joint press conference with his Mexican counterpart Felipe Calderon on Tuesday.

“I’m going to Iran in May to buy things from them,” he added.

The Brazilian president was in Mexico to take part in a summit of leaders of Latin America and the Caribbean.

World powers, led by the US, accuse Tehran of pursuing military applications under the guise of a civilian nuclear program, although IAEA inspectors stationed in Iran have so far been unable to substantiate their claim.

Despite the US stance, Brasilia has opposed efforts to impose sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.

The Latin American state, which has its own nuclear energy program, has not backed US allegations that Tehran is seeking a nuclear weapon.

Also in November, Lula had stressed that his country supports Iran’s efforts to obtain “peaceful nuclear energy in full respect of international accords.”