Iran Uses All Capacities To Defend Regional Nations : MP

Tehran, July 11, IRNA – Majlis First vice-speaker said here Tuesday that the Islamic Republic of Iran will use all capacities to defend the regional nations, particularly those of Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. Hojjatoleslam Mohammad Hassan Aboutorabifard made the remark while addressing the Asian Parliamentary Assembly’s (APA) Standing Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs. The parliamentarian said the regional states have to decide their own fate without interference of any foreign country. He reiterated that foreign meddling is a major challenge for Asia and the Middle East. Condemning the oppression against Palestinians particularly those living in the Gaza Strip, the MP referred to the situation as a blatant violation of the human rights. Aboutorabifard, also head of the APA cultural committee, said this committee can play a key role in fighting drugs smuggling. To achieve its objectives, the APA committee needs to set the regulations on which all member countries agree to obey. The Asian Parliamentary Assembly’s (APA) Standing Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs opened in the Iranian capital this morning with participation of parliamentary delegations from Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Cambodia, Thailand and the Islamic Republic of Iran./end