Venezuelan Envoy: ALBA Backs Iran’s Nuclear Program

Tehran, Feb 5, IRNA - Venezuelan Ambassador to Tehran David Velasquez said on Saturday that the foreign ministers of ALBA including eight Latin American and Caribbean countries in their meeting on Friday issued a statement in support of Iran’s peaceful nuclear program. He made the remark on the sidelines of a special ceremony marking the the 20th victory anniversary of Venezuelan revolution, on Saturday. ALBA has developed to include eight Latin American and Caribbean countries (Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines). Speaking to reporters, he said ALBA also strongly condemned any military threats against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Referring to the recent visit of the Iranian President to Venezuela, he said President Mahmoud Ahmadienejad's Latin American tour was very important. During the visit, the two sides' high ranking officials agreed to implement already inked agreements between the two countries, he said. Iran and Venezuela inked various agreements in fields of military cooperation, technology, nanotechnology, agriculture and industry, he said. On the launching of the Spanish-language TV network in Iran, he said this will prepare grounds for expansion of cultural cooperation and exchange of experiences among countries. Regarding the oil embargo imposed against Iran by the European Union, he said such hostile measures are not proper method to resolve issues. Venezuela believes that Iran’s nuclear issue should be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic means, he underlined./end