Iran rejects claims of interference in Bahrain

TEHRAN,April 18(MNA) – Iran has dismissed claims that it is meddling in Bahrain’s internal affairs and called on the Manama government to put an end to the suppression of the Bahraini people. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the Iranian deputy foreign minister for Arab and African affairs, said on Wednesday that the Bahraini officials are well aware that if Iran had interfered in Bahrain, even a little bit, the situation would have been different. He added Iran is strongly committed to its principled position to avoid interfering in internal affairs of all countries including Bahrain. He said, “The Bahraini people have been pursuing their demands through peaceful and democratic ways over the past two years.” He added the problem in Bahrain is a result of “discrimination”, and “violation of human rights” in the country. The Iranian official also said that the international community should pay more attention to the use of toxic gases in the country and the targeting of people with bullets which have resulted in the murder and injury of hundreds of people. Amir-Abdollahian went on say that inclusive national dialogue and respect to people’s legitimate demands are the only solutions to the two-year crisis in Bahrain. He also warned against the continuation of leveling accusations against the Islamic republic of Iran.