Peaceful negotiation only solution to Yemen crisis: Velayati

TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) – The head of Strategic Research Center of the Expediency Council has said US not likely to intervene in Yemen militarily due to its unsuccessful experiences in the region. Talking to reporters after a meeting with Australian FM Julie Bishop, Ali Akbar Velayati described the meeting as positive and constructive discussing regional concerns and bilateral ties. He asserted that Iran and Australia have good relations and have decided to boost bilateral ties, announcing that Iranian FM Mohamad Javad Zarif will visit Australia in near future. “Tehran-Canberra relations could be influential in establishing stability and peace in region particularly in regard to Iraq and fight against ISIL,” said he. Velayati added, “Australian FM also believes ISIL has to be confronted and she also praised Iran’s measures on the issue.” Considering Yemen crisis Velayati stated US in not likely to get involved in Yemen militarily; “US has unsuccessfully tried this approach many times in the region and I don’t believe Americans would repeat it.” “The solution to Yemen crisis is peaceful negotiation and the countries should only help Yemeni nation to set up their own government without foreign interference,” the official stressed. Answering to a question on Obama’s recent statements on formal treaty with Iran, the senior official emphasized Iran is not either willing to have a formal treaty with US; “Iran is merely trying to preserve its nuclear rights to use nuclear energy peacefully.” “We will resume the negotiations the same way we had till the moment, within the defined frame and on the basis of our national interests and we persist on immediate removal of sanctions as the agreement is reached,” he continued.