ID :
43322
Fri, 01/30/2009 - 18:23
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/43322
The shortlink copeid
Sanctions on Iran illegal, pointless amid global slump: spokesman
SEOUL, Jan. 30 (Yonhap) -- Iran's foreign ministry spokesman said the international sanctions imposed on his country haven't had much impact on its trade relations with South Korea and other trading partners, and have remained virtually ineffective in the wake of the global economic slowdown.
Hassan Ghashghavi also said that the retaliatory measures by the United Nations
and U.S. against its nuclear program are also "illegal," as his government does
not seek to use nuclear power for military purposes.
"We are facing these sanctions for two to three years, but as you know, it hasn't
had very strong impact" with other trading partners, said Ghashghavi during an
interview with Yonhap News Agency on Thursday. He was in South Korea for a
bilateral media relations promotion trip.
He said that in the modern free market, all businesses "will try to look for the
best market for selling their daily goods and products." The enormous popularity
of South Korean brands such as Samsung Electronics in Iran is a good example, he
said.
Iran has been under U.S. economic sanctions since 2005, when President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad reversed the nation's nuclear policy and lifted the suspension of
uranium enrichment. The U.N. Security Council also adopted a resolution in 2007
that tightened its own sanctions in connection with the country's nuclear
program.
"We think during the time (of the sanction) even some Western nations will judge
that...it has had no effect in our ordinary activity. Our last (trade) figures
with European countries hasn't shown any signs of effect," the spokesman said.
He also suggested the sanctions are virtually meaningless in the midst of the
financial crisis and said he "hopes this reality will affect (the) minds of some
politicians."
He also claimed the sanctions are "illegal," saying that the International Atomic
Energy Agency's reports on Iran's nuclear program have not provided evidence of
plans to convert the country's nuclear program for military use.
"We are always prepared to cooperate with agencies ... and abide by its
obligations based on international regulations," Ghashghavi said.
When asked on how he expects the U.S. to implement its Middle Eastern policy
under newly sworn-in President Barack Obama, the spokesman offered a reserved
stance.
"At present I don't like to have a judgment on this matter," he said, but noted
that Obama seems to be aware of the changing conditions in the Middle East
following the U.S. war in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"He chose two slogans during the campaign: 'Yes We Can' and 'Change.' We along
with the other people around the globe are waiting to see what's implemented (by
his government)," the spokesman said.
The spokesman again denied speculation that Iran was preparing for a nuclear test
with help from North Korea, which detonated a nuclear device in 2006.
"There is no evidence to prove that Iran received some technology from North
Korea," Ghashghavi said, underscoring that there is nothing "hiding" in the
relations between the two countries.
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)
Hassan Ghashghavi also said that the retaliatory measures by the United Nations
and U.S. against its nuclear program are also "illegal," as his government does
not seek to use nuclear power for military purposes.
"We are facing these sanctions for two to three years, but as you know, it hasn't
had very strong impact" with other trading partners, said Ghashghavi during an
interview with Yonhap News Agency on Thursday. He was in South Korea for a
bilateral media relations promotion trip.
He said that in the modern free market, all businesses "will try to look for the
best market for selling their daily goods and products." The enormous popularity
of South Korean brands such as Samsung Electronics in Iran is a good example, he
said.
Iran has been under U.S. economic sanctions since 2005, when President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad reversed the nation's nuclear policy and lifted the suspension of
uranium enrichment. The U.N. Security Council also adopted a resolution in 2007
that tightened its own sanctions in connection with the country's nuclear
program.
"We think during the time (of the sanction) even some Western nations will judge
that...it has had no effect in our ordinary activity. Our last (trade) figures
with European countries hasn't shown any signs of effect," the spokesman said.
He also suggested the sanctions are virtually meaningless in the midst of the
financial crisis and said he "hopes this reality will affect (the) minds of some
politicians."
He also claimed the sanctions are "illegal," saying that the International Atomic
Energy Agency's reports on Iran's nuclear program have not provided evidence of
plans to convert the country's nuclear program for military use.
"We are always prepared to cooperate with agencies ... and abide by its
obligations based on international regulations," Ghashghavi said.
When asked on how he expects the U.S. to implement its Middle Eastern policy
under newly sworn-in President Barack Obama, the spokesman offered a reserved
stance.
"At present I don't like to have a judgment on this matter," he said, but noted
that Obama seems to be aware of the changing conditions in the Middle East
following the U.S. war in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"He chose two slogans during the campaign: 'Yes We Can' and 'Change.' We along
with the other people around the globe are waiting to see what's implemented (by
his government)," the spokesman said.
The spokesman again denied speculation that Iran was preparing for a nuclear test
with help from North Korea, which detonated a nuclear device in 2006.
"There is no evidence to prove that Iran received some technology from North
Korea," Ghashghavi said, underscoring that there is nothing "hiding" in the
relations between the two countries.
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)
