Problems not to be solved through war– Rouhani

Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 26 By Khalid Kazimov – Trend: Condemning US intervention in the affairs of other countries, those of the Middle East in particular, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has said that war, tension, and escalation of disputes are not going to help countries solve their problems. Rouhani made the remarks while at a meeting to receive the credentials of the incoming North Korean ambassador Jan. 26, IRNA news agency reported. “Sanctions against North Korea have only hurt the country’s people,” the Iranian president said. He added “We have always condemned sanctions and illegal pressure. We must join hands in standing up against aberrant monopolism.” He also expressed favorable regards toward a peace process between North and South Koreas and reiterated that negotiations are the only way to settle issues. Rouhani also pointed to the record of good relations between Iran and North Korea and stated that Iran will never forget North Korea’s help during its war with Iraq. The North Korean diplomat, in turn, conveyed greetings from his country’s leader to the Iranian president and praised Iran for pushing forward its nuclear program despite international pressure. Kang Sam Hyun also announced an invitation by the North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un for Rouhani to visit the country’s capital Pyongyang. Iranian and North Korean officials have frequently described the two countries’ relations as positive. Tehran and Pyongyang’s relations grew much closer following the Iranian revolution of 1979. The two countries share views on pursuing national interests despite what they denounce as Western intervention in their domestic affairs. Edited by CN Follow us on Twitter @TRENDNewsAgency