UN chief hails Iran’s regional role

The UN Secretary General has praised Iran for its constructive role in settling Middle East issues and its contributions to campaigns against terrorism and narcotics.

“Iran’s rich culture, history and civilization have set the stage for its constructive role in resolving regional issues peacefully,” Ban Ki-moon said in a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki in New York.

Ban lauded Iran’s attempts to fight extremism, terrorism and narcotrafficking.

Mottaki, in turn, touched upon Iran’s initiatives and measures to resolve regional crises, especially in Iraq, Afghanistan and Lebanon.

“Experience shows only regional solutions and initiatives can restore peace, security and stability in the region,” said the Iranian foreign minister.

Mottaki said the West’s policies and measures are ‘full of mistakes,’ and elaborated on Tehran’s strategic proposals to restore security to the Middle East.

He then called for the UN chief to play a more determining role in resolving regional conflicts.

The foreign minister further referred to Tehran’s peaceful nuclear program as well as its extensive cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog.

“Only negotiations and the recognition of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s right to use nuclear energy will lay the groundwork for future cooperation between our country (Iran) and the P5+1,” Mottaki continued.