Afkham: Iran Doing Its Best To Ensure Peaceful Settlement Of Dispute With UK Over Pre-revolution Arms Purchase

Tehran, Feb 5, IRNA – The Foreign Ministry spokeswoman says Tehran will try to ensure the case of arms purchase from the UK is settled peacefully. “We will try to ensure the case will follow its normal course and be settled peacefully,” Afkham told IRNA while referring to a Hague court ruling in Iran’s favor that the case of arms purchase from the UK dated back to pre-revolution era. She said the issue of contract, signed with the UK IMS company regarding arms purchases, dates to period before the Islamic Revolution and despite cash payment by Iran no tank was delivered to the country. She added that over the past 35 years, talks have been held for settlement of the case with the British party. “The talks did not bear fruit so much so that the Hague voted in Iranˈs favor and unfortunately despite the court ruling, the talks have not yet been fruitful due to the British companyˈs procrastination.” She added that it is only a financial discord and the British parties also are quite aware of the righteousness of the Iranian government. “Since politicization of the case will prevent its speedy and fair settlement, we will try to settle the case irrespective of bilateral political ties.” She added that through good intention and commitment of the British party to the international law the case can be settled. She hoped that without referring the case to the UK High Court, the issue will be settled through bilateral talks./end