Iranian deputy-FM: Arbitrary anti-terrorism acts hazardous for region

TEHRAN, Sep. 29 (MNA) – Iran’s Deputy-FM in Arab and African affairs has said any arbitrary anti-terrorism acts are hazardous for the region. During a meeting with Lithuanian Foreign Ministry’s Managing Director for Political Affairs, Ms. Ina Marčiulionytė, Iranian Deputy-Minister for Arabs and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian commended the consultations between the two countries in regard to regional issues and, defining Iran's stance towards developments in the region, stressed on combat against terrorism. Iran’s deputy foreign minister said “we must tackle developments in the region realistically and as long as the facts are not considered, terrorism cannot be completely uprooted.” “The arbitrary methods and measures outside the framework of international law which have been employed to combat terrorism have been disastrous, and have proven costly to the region and international system,” asserted Abdollahian. Abdollahian stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty of states and said “it is unacceptable to combat terrorism on the one hand, and to weaken governments on the other. Subsequently, we are not optimistic about the actions and consequences of their anti-terrorism coalition against ISIL.” The political director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania pointed to the active role of Iran in the developments in the region and said “the region is in a critical state and Lithuania will adhere to continuing talks with Iran to better understand the developments.” He expressed deep concern about the growth of extremism and terrorism in the region and said “a collective effort is required to combat terrorists and their actions in the region.”