Rouhani says Iran will continue economic activities despite challenges..Zarif stresses US anti-Iran procedures are a crime against humanity

TEHRAN, (ST)- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has stressed that Iran will continue with its economic activities despite enemies attempts to block economic development in the country.

During the meeting of the National Committee for combating coronavirus on Saturday, the Iranian leader said enemies are going ahead with their plans to impede production in Iran, in a reference to the countries that are imposing sanctions on Tehran.

Rouhani affirmed that his country will not stop economic activities and  production pursuant to health protocols.

He urged the Iranians to abide by the health instruction and measures to prevent coronavirus outbreak in the country.

 In the same context, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in an interview with the Brazilian” Folha de S.Paulo ” newspaper that “Iran is a rich country, but because of the economic blockade, we don’t have enough resources to provide services to affected people even though we have the financial capability, because this blockade is preventing us from buying necessary medicines and medical equipment. Also, the applied restrictions on banks and financial facilities don’t differentiate between the goods that are bought for humanitarian purposes from other kinds of goods.”

Zarif pointed out that the European companies which produce medical equipments have stopped their trade with Iran because of the US threats to sanction them if they do.

“Economic terrorism being practiced by the United States against Iran has several forms. Such procedures are considered as crimes against humanity according to the international  law,” said Zarif.

Regarding the US claims on helping Iran in fighting coronavirus, Zarif stressed that “such a suggestion was an elusive one”, adding that “we will look after ourselves by ourselves and we have enough friends around the world to help us.”

Hamda Mustafa