Zarif: PG Region Can Be Zone For Peaceful Co-op

Tehran, Jan 28, IRNA – The Persian Gulf region can be a peaceful zone for cooperation, but ensuring its security by foreign forces is not an appropriate way for easing concerns, said Iran's Foreign Minister, Javad Zarif. Zarif made the remark in a meeting with visiting former French top diplomat, Herve de Charette on Monday. Herve de Charette who had arrived in Tehran earlier in the day met Zarif in the evening and consulted with him on issues of mutual interest, including the security of the Persian Gulf. Zarif further noted that the Islamic Republic had, as of years ago, designed a plan for collective security of the Persian Gulf, which still lacks a proper framework, and of course new issues can be added to it. “The developments in some Arab Middle East countries can invigorate the extremism threat, and accordingly we are in need of contemplation and devising a new indigenous pattern for regional security,” Zarif added. On bilateral relations, Zarif said that ties can expand satisfactorily based on mutual trust building. He also said that the country's democratic system was established based on numerous elections and coming to power of governments with varying political and social approaches. Zarif meanwhile stressed that the bloodshed in Syria and resolving the crisis in that country, which are dire necessities, is possible only through effective political measures. “The fate of the Syrian nation must be determined by the Syrians at the election polls and the westerners, too, have confirmed that in case there would be a free and fair election there the results may be something different from their expectations. Herve de Charette, for his part, said that Iran plays a very influential role in the region and works towards regional and international peace and security. On Iran’s nuclear agreement with the world powers, too, Herve de Charette reiterated that tangible results could be achieved by establishment of mutual trust. Also on Saturday, in a meeting with the Supreme Leaderˈs top aide Ali Akbar Velayati, De Charette underlined the important roles played by Tehran and Paris in regional equations, adding that the French and Iranian officials are resolved to further develop ties between both states. “We will hear highly positive news about the relations between Iran and France in coming days since the two sides enjoy the political resolve to do so,” De Charette told reporters after meeting. “I am highly optimistic about the relations between Iran and France,” he added. The former French top diplomat stressed that the new atmosphere and measures adopted by President Hassan Rouhani have paved the ground for progress in the relations between Tehran and Paris after a long time./end