Iranian FM reiterates concern over rise of extremism in ME

Vienna, April 9, IRNA - Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif once again voiced concern over the rise of extremism in the Middle East. Addressing a gathering of Austria-based Iranian expats in Vienna Tuesday evening, Zarif reiterated his concern over the surge of extremism in the Middle East, saying it has become a global threat. He added this wave of extremism in the region was prompted by wrong policies as well as foreign influence. Zarif warned that this scourge could ultimately also inflict those countries that have sparked this fire. The Iranian minister said while extremism has engulfed the Middle East, Iran has held presidential elections with a huge turnout, in which a president was elected whose slogan was moderation. Referring to the recent anti-Iran resolution of the European Parliament (EP), Zarif said it was interesting to note that turnout at the European Parliament elections was 43 percent on the average, while turnout at Iranˈs presidential elections was 73 percent. ˈSo the European Parliament is not in a position to tell us that we donˈt fit democratic criteria.ˈ Iran has strongly criticized the anti-Iran resolution, calling it unacceptable. According to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham the recent EP statement against Iran showed it knew nothing about the realities in Iran. She added that Iran regards such an act as a targeted move taken under the pressure of Iranˈs enemies led by the Zionist lobbies.