Indian journalist: Iranian Supreme Leader’s views are highly important for the world peace

New Delhi, Aug 30, IRNA -- A prominent Indian journalist said on Thursday that the statement of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayattolah Ali Khamanei at the opening session of the 16th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement(NAM) in Tehran is highly important for the world peace and development. Speaking to IRNA, Arti Bali, senior journalist and senior content Editor of the Sahara Media Network, said: 'As the Iranian leader said, the 120 NAM member states enjoy vast economic, trade, political and technological potentials that, if pooled together, can play an important role in not only ensuring peace and stability, but also development in the world. ' Appreciating the Supreme Leader's call for neutralizing the Weapons of Mass Distraction (WMD) all over the world, she said: 'Ayatollah Khamanei has rightly called for the destruction of the Weapons of Mass Distraction all over world as the big powers such as the US are using the same to threaten the smaller nations to push their illegal agendas in the third world.' Terming Iran as an important country in the Middle East, Arti Bali said: 'The particular geographical location of Iran in the Middle East has added to its importance not only in the region, but also in the world and presence of the heads of the states or governments of almost all of the NAM member states in the 16th Summit of this international body is an indicator to the same.' On India's relations with Iran, she said: 'India rejects the US pressure on Iran and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s presence at the 16th Summit of Non-Alignment Movement is a sign of India's firm stance against the use of pressure on Iran.' Arti Bali said: 'India is having strong interest in Afghanistan, Persian Gulf and Arab countries as well as Central Asia and Indian prime minister has already sent clear cut signals that India is bound to pursue its own national interests in this region.' 'Indian prime minister's visit to Tehran also assumes significance as India has emphasized that New Delhi would abide by only those sanctions imposed by the UN,' she added. On the possible impact of Singh's visit to Tehran on the Indo-Iran relations, Arti Bali said: 'No doubt that the visit would further improve ties between Iran and India as New Delhi is trying hard to enhance its projects in Afghanistan and its trade relations with Iran and Central Asia using the Chabahar Port and these, certainly, would come up during Singh’s visit to Tehran.' Detailing the Indian position on Syria, she said: 'Indian Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with the Iranian Supreme Leader and President during which the situation in Syria may have been discussed. New Delhi has been opposing any unilateral move for externally induced regime change in Syria. India is very mindful of the fact that an unsettled Middle East will not only affect India's interest but that of the entire region.'