Tehran criticizes anti-Iran resolution on U.S. plot allegation

TEHRAN, Nov. 20 (MNA) – The Iranian ambassador to the United Nations criticized the anti-Iran draft resolution that condemns Tehran’s alleged plot to assassinate the Saudi Arabian ambassador to Washington, Adel al-Jubeir. Ambassador Mohammad Khazaii made the remarks during a speech at a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday before the assembly approved the resolution by a vote of 106 to 9, with 40 abstentions. The 193-member world body did not directly accuse Iran of involvement, but it called on the Islamic Republic to comply with international law requiring protection of diplomats and to cooperate in bringing those responsible for the assassination plot to justice, according to the Washington Post. Following are excerpts of Ambassador Khazaii’s remarks: Our fundamental difficulty with the draft resolution lies in the very fact that this draft is based on nothing but an unsubstantiated claim of one Member State with a long history of animosity against my country that my government has already and strongly rejected. The essence of the claim was met also with strong doubt around the world, including among the elite in the U.S. and even many former U.S. officials. Under such circumstances, it is mind boggling as to how such a pure and simple allegation could serve as the foundation of a draft resolution brought to the floor of this august Assembly. Such an action is truly unprecedented in the history of the General Assembly and, as such, should be rejected no matter which country is the target. Of course, under Article 10 of the UN Charter any issue could be raised by Member States in this Assembly. However, it is evident that placing allegations as well as hypothetical and unsubstantiated matters on the agenda of the General Assembly would consist of an enormous damage to its credibility and authority. The draft resolution at hand is a brazen example of such an approach. If the members of the General Assembly allow this draft to pass unamended, the General Assembly would run the risk of setting a dangerous precedent and turning into a venue for settling political scores and the advancement of narrow political interests. Consequently, we believe that no matter who is the target of this draft, all Member States that are attached to and hold dear the principles and objectives of the United Nations should resolve in countering it. This is another strong rational for the need to amend this draft. I have already expressed the position of my government in regard to the allegation in the three letters that I sent to the Secretary-General. We categorically rejected the involvement of any of Iranian officials or agencies in the alleged plot. Moreover, we are fully aware of our obligations under relevant international legal instruments, including 1973 Convention and reaffirm our full commitment to fulfill such obligations.