Iran's FM, UN under-secretary-general Confer

Tehran, Aug 27, IRNA – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and visiting UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman held talks Monday on regional and international issues, particularly crises in Syria, Lebanon and Egypt. Jeffrey Feltman arrived in Tehran late Sunday, at the head of a high-ranking delegation. During the meeting, the Iranian foreign minister voiced Iran's determination to continue cooperation with the United Nations on issues of mutual interest. Zarif underlined Iran's active and constructive role in helping resolve regional issues, including events taking place in Afghanistan and Iraq, saying the Islamic Republic of Iran will use all its capacities to promote peace, stability and security in the region. He warned that the consequences of spread of violence and extremism in the region could affect other parts of the world and western countries. The foreign minister noted that the United Nations is the only international body which can help restore peace and stability to the region with assistance from influential regional countries. He reiterated that the Syrian crisis can only be resolved through diplomatic means, condemning the use of chemical weapons in the war-torn country. The UN under-secretary-general, for his part, congratulated the Iranian foreign minister on his appointment to the post. He also called for further cooperation between Iran and the United Nations in campaign against terrorism and drug trafficking as well as issues pertaining to education and health care. He underlined UN support for the presence of all influential countries in Syrian peace talks./end