Salehi: Western Nations Suffer More From Iran Sanctions

Tehran, Mar 4, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said on Saturday that the Western nations are suffering the most from the sanctions on Iran. He made the remarks in a meeting with South African Minister of Energy Ms Dipou Peters. “Western countries were already suffering from the global economic and financial crises. Therefore, the western nations have been subject to the most pressures from their self-imposed sanctions on Iran,' Salehi said. He said Iran could well manage the sanctions and pressures and secure its independence with the full support of Iranaions they displayed in massive turnout in elections citing the parliamentary election held yesterday. Salehi said that Iran and South Africa have always been keeping good ties in different fields especially after the Iranian Islamic Revolution and the South African anti-apartheid campaign; and the Iranian government and nation always support South African nation and government. Pointing to the good relations between the two revolutionary and anti colonialist countries in the Middle East and Africa and also the good conducts and struggles of Great Nelson Mandela, Salehi said that African nation has always been suffering from the bitter tastes of such political and economic pressures. Salehi expressed hope the two countries close and friendly ties especially in the field of economy would continue thanks to the two countries’ officials regular consultations as well as the mutual and international cooperation in the context of Non-Aligned Movement. Ms. Peters said that South African nation and leaders are keen on expansion of cooperation with Iran. She said that she was pleased with her visit to Iran citing South African independent policy to upgrade friendly relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran on mutual interest. Ms. Peters expressed hope that the two countries officials would proceed with regular consultations and visits to expand the current mutual ties and cooperation./end