Iran advises Turkey against hosting NATO radar system

TEHRAN, Jan. 11 (MNA) -- The director of the Strategic Research Center of Iran’s Expediency Council called on Turkey to reconsider its decision to host an early warning radar as part of NATO’s missile defense system. Hassan Rohani made the remarks during a meeting with Turkish Ambassador Umit Yardim in Tehran on Tuesday. Iranian officials have expressed disapproval of Turkey’s move and have repeatedly warned the Turkish government about the repercussions of the decision. In the meeting, Rohani said that cancelling the decision to host the radar would “restore” mutual trust between the two countries and pave the way for the expansion of ties. Elsewhere in his remarks, Rohani commented on the popular uprisings that have challenged the governments of a number of regional countries, saying, “Countries like Iran and Turkey should contribute to this auspicious event since better circumstances will be provided for all regional countries if democracy is established.” And efforts should be made to prevent the hegemonistic powers and the Zionists from taking advantage of the uprisings, he added. Rohani also said that Tehran and Ankara should play an influential role in this regard. In addition, he commented on the crisis engulfing Syria and said that outsiders should not be allowed to undermine the country, which is on the front line of the resistance in the Middle East.