Zarif: Warmongering Policies Threaten World Peace

Baghdad, Sept 9, IRNA – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Sunday expressed concern about spread of warmongering policies in the region which might engulf the entire region as well as the whole world. He told reporters in Baghdad, “We invite all parties to fully observe international law and avoid use of force in dealing global issues.” Zarif and his Iraqi counterpart Hoshyar Zebari took part in a joint press conference in presence of reporters from the domestic and international news agencies. “We advise all parties in Syria to come to negotiating table and put an end to conflicts and killings,” he said. Iran and Iraq were the main victims of chemical weapons used by the former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and this was ignored by the international community, he said. He said that no nation in the world deeply understands the meaning of condemnation of use of chemical weapons like Iran and Iraq. Zarif said that the current situation in the region is very sensitive requiring collective contribution of countries in the region. It is incumbent upon the countries in the region to spare no effort to prevent extremism, discord, war and factionalism, he underlined. “I convey the message of friendship and warm greetings of Iranian Supreme Leader, government and Iranian nation to the Iraqi officials,” Zarif said. He expressed the hope that cooperation between Iran and Iraq to further increase through exchange of visits by the Iraqi parliament speaker and the prime minister. Relations between Iran and Iraq are based on religious affinity, he said adding that Iran sees the Iraqi stability, development and peace as its own. Zarif expressed the hope that expansion of cooperation between Iran and Iraq would bring about security in the region./end