'Veto right, a disrespect to other nations’ rights'

TEHRAN, Feb. 22 (MNA)--During the meeting with German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, Iranian President Ahmadinejad said the veto right enjoyed by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council sharply contrasts with the rights of other countries.

The United States on Friday vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements on Palestinian land after the Palestinians refused a compromise offer from Washington, Reuters reported.

Ahmadinejad told Westerwelle that the world is in need of a new system and the current system in the world cannot meet the demands of the nations.

All must attempt to reform the global system, he stated, adding Iran and Germany can have good cooperation in this regard.

“… it is expected that Germany will stand by the independent governments and nations,” Ahmadinejad opined.

The German foreign minister stated that his country favors a reform in the UN structure.

The top German diplomat also said it is not fair that the countries of South America, Africa, and Asia do not play active roles in the UN.

Westerwelle added that international issues must be settled through international cooperation and not through conflict.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the German foreign minister said that Berlin is exploring ways to expand cooperation with Tehran in the international arena and strengthen ties with the Islamic Republic.

The two sides also insisted on the need for a campaign against terrorism and drug trafficking.