Zarif: Iran Negotiating To Eliminate Pretexts For Sanctions

Ankara, Nov 2, IRNA – Iran is trying to eliminate every pretext for imposing sanctions in the course of negotiations, said Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Davut Ahmetuglu Friday. Zarif made the remark in response to a question on the extent of effectiveness of the western-imposed sanctions on Iran-Turkey economic ties. Referring to the mutual interests of the economic ties for both countries, he said, “Tehran-Ankara ties must not be affected due to the intervention of other foreign countries.” The Iranian foreign minister said that the two countries’ relations are pursued in the framework of the international regulations, reiterating, “Intervening and creating troubles in our bilateral relations on pretext of sanctions are illegal.” Zarif said that the sanctions merely strengthen the will of the Iranian nation, adding, “It is necessary for both sides of the sanctions though to tackle out a way for resolving the problem, not to focus on ways that imposed pressure against the people.” Zarif added, “Our efforts in negotiations with the 5+1 Group are aimed at achieving a framework aimed at annihilating the subject matter of the sanctions.” The IRI foreign minister arrived in Istanbul on Friday morning for a meeting with President Abdullah Gul and delivering a speech in Paguash Conference before departing for Ankara. Zarif said that in Paguash Conference he was going to elaborate on the viewpoints of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the international issues including disarmament and that his meeting with President Gul was after that conference. Stressing the influence of Iran and Turkey in the region, he said after arrival at Istanbul International Airport that the two countries can through consultations and exchange of viewpoints contribute to regional crisis solving and restoration of peace and stability in the region. Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif arrived in Istanbul on Friday morning to discuss issues of mutual interest with Turkey’s officials. He met with President Abdullah Gul in Istanbul and delivered a speech in Paguash Conference and then departed for Ankara. In Ankara, Zarif is to meet with Prime Minister Recep Teyyip Erdogan and then Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutuglu. Bilateral ties, Syrian development and international, regional problems are among issues to be discussed between Zarif and Turkey’s officials. In Ankara the Iranian top diplomat is scheduled to attend a press conference and to participate in a dinner banquet by Turkey’s foreign minister. Zarif will depart Istanbul for Tehran on Saturday morning./end