FM Spokeswoman Urges Respect For Bosnian Nationˈs Demands

Tehran, Feb 18, IRNA – Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham here on Tuesday called for paying due attention to the legitimate demands of the Bosnian nation. Talking to reporters during her weekly press briefing, she expressed concern over unrest in Bosnia-Herzegovina and hoped the differences there be settled through peaceful manners. She said the continuing violence may even lead to instability and insecurity there. Commenting on negotiations between Iran and Russia to expand economic and trade ties, she said the two are willing to expand economic relations. Pointing to the fate of the five Iranian border guides abducted and taken into Pakistan, she said necessary measures by political and security officials have already been taken and the Iranian embassy in Islamabad too is following up the case. She pointed out that the Pakistani ambassador to Tehran had been summoned to the Foreign Ministry twice to receive Iranˈs protest notes, stressing Iran demands firm action by Islamabad to control border points and check passage of terrorists and bandits. Afkham said Iran wants elements behind the abduction of the border guards to be identified and submitted to the Iranian officials. Asked about Iran-5+1 nuclear talks to start today in Vienna, she said the negotiations will merely focus on nuclear topics, stressing that military issues will have no place in the talks./end