Salehi: Iran Will Not Block PG Vital Waterway

Vienna, July 31, IRNA – Foreign Minister, Ali-Akbar Salehi, said on Monday that the Persian Gulf waterway is vital for Iran's interest as well as that of the entire world, and Tehran will act in concord with the world as long as the nation's interests are not jeopardized. Speaking to Austrian Daily, Der Standard, Salehi made it clear that Iran however has its own reservations about defense of national sovereignty in the context of thwarting foreign threats. He said that under emergency conditions and in case of necessity, Iran will safeguard its international interests and sovereignty through any possible means, defending them in any manner. Iran is not seeking tension, Salehi stressed. “I recommend Europeans specifically not to confront Iran. Iran is a good and reliable partner which enjoys rich oil and gas resources, and can meet major portion of world energy.” Responding to a question as to what extent Iran takes military threat seriously, Salehi said Iran is always ready to defend itself and it will never consider inaction in case of foreign threats. “Iran is a safe and stable country, being the point of stability and security for the region.” Elsewhere in his remarks, Salehi touched on Iran-G5+1 nuclear talks in Istanbul, Turkey, saying, “Though the talks began with a gap, the negotiating parties acted more realistically than before.” He said, “In the Baghdad session we reached the conclusion that the other party has changed its behavior, thinking that Iran has entered talks due to sanctions. Of course, the approach was the same in Moscow too.” Stressing that Iran-G5+1 talks have not come to a standstill and is dynamic, Salehi said, of course small steps need to be taken for continuation of the talks. Saying that the two parties have held two rounds of expert- and deputy-level talks, Salehi commented on the venue and date of the next round of the talks, saying that after consultation between Iran’s top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili and EU foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, the timing and venue of the next round of the talks was determined. Asked whether the next round of talks would be held for sure, Salehi said, “I can not say much precisely but if anything goes right and naturally, we can continue with our talks. I don’t think rift between two parties would be interesting, not being in favor of them.” To a question whether the talks this time would be futile, Salehi said the key lies in both sides’ hands and they should officially recognize each others rights. “This means, the G5+1 should officially recognize Iran’s enrichment right based on NPT and Iran too should relieve possible concerns on its nuclear program, though there are not enough proof and evidence for any concern.” He said likely concerns can be removed without harming the enrichment right. To a question on impact of sanctions, Salehi said Iran has over the past 33 years been facing sanctions. “Iran has many experiences in this concern and has been coping with it.” Der Standard asked whether this time, however, the sanctions’ impact is visible in people’s life. Salehi pointed to economic problems in many countries saying that food price has increased worldwide. “You are right; many people are annoyed and face problem as a result of sanctions. Government, however, will do its best to solve the problems as soon as possible. He refuted Israeli accusation against Iran about terrorist killing in Bulgaria. “Regrettably, Iran is blamed for whatever happening anywhere on earth before any attempt to find the culprit. Unfortunately, such lies are also spread generally in the so-called free countries.”/end