Iran slams foreign intervention in ME

Iran censures the presence of foreign forces in the region, saying Middle Eastern nations can resolve their problems without recourse to foreign intervention.

The remark was made by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in a meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian in Tehran on Wednesday.

He stressed the importance of establishing sustainable peace in the region and added, “Regional nations will have no unsolved problem if foreigners stop interfering in regional affairs.”

The Iranian chief executive also urged all regional countries to move toward achieving welfare, progress and security, IRNA reported.

President Ahmadinejad pointed to Iran’s deep-rooted relations with Armenia and said the two countries have drawn up plans to bolster bilateral and regional cooperation in a reasonable and satisfactory manner.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes growing relations with Armenia in various fields,” he went on to say.

Nalbandian, for his part, said mutual confidence between Tehran and Yerevan can prepare appropriate ground for setting out long-term plans for cooperation.

The Armenian foreign minister assessed as “strategic” his country’s strong ties with Iran and said Yerevan attaches importance to enhancing ties with Tehran.