Iran writes to UN sec gen over Israeli airstrikes on Syria

TEHRAN,May 8(MNA) – In a letter to United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon dated May 6, the Iranian ambassador to the UN expressed the country’s condemnation of the recent Israeli airstrikes on Syria, calling them “provocative” and “unwarranted.” Following is the text of Ambassador Mohammad Khazaee’s letter: Excellency, I wish to draw your attention to the reports on the Israeli air strikes against Syria on 3 and 5 May 2013. The Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its deep concern over, and strong condemnation of such provocative and unwarranted attacks. We believe that such a criminal and irresponsible act should be addressed by the international community, specially the United Nations and its relevant organs for the following reasons: These blatant acts of aggression are serious violation of international law, particularly the norms and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter including its Article 2 (4) on the prohibition of the use of force against any Member State. Nothing can justify the use of force and act of aggression against a sovereign state and the aggressor must be held accountable for any consequences stemming from this condemnable and illegitimate act which endangers regional and international peace and security. It is obvious that the attacks represent serious escalation of tension and have grave destabilizing effects in the region. I would urge Your Excellency to address this issue of great concern to the United Nations based on the mandate bestowed upon you by the Charter for the purpose of maintenance of regional and international peace and security and prevention of further act of aggression. I am sending identical letter to the President of the Security Council and the President of the General Assembly. It would be appreciated if this letter and its annexes could be circulated as a document of the Security Council and that of the General Assembly under agenda item 33 entitled “Prevention of Armed Conflict”. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.