Iran Supports Clearing Mine-Contaminated Sites, Says Rouhani
President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday voiced Iran‘s readiness to join any action to clear sites which are contaminated with mines and armaments, IRNA reported.
The President made the remarks in a message to a gathering on the occasion of World Mine Awareness Day.
He said Iran, inspired by the humanitarian teachings of Islam, has always encouraged peace, stability and tranquility for the international community.
He stressed the importance of responsibility of the relevant international bodies as well as every individual world countries in this regard.
President Rouhani said using regular arms are necessary to confront potential threats and also to deter terrorist operations but unfortunately some of such weapons like mines have side effects far beyond the targets they were devised for.
He said use of mines in conflicts makes them remain for ever in the lands even after the end of the wars causing many humanitarian, social, economic and environmental calamities in peace times.
Iran seeks a world free of violence
Meanwhile, Defense Minister HosseinDehqan said on Tuesday thatIran seeks a world without violence.
He made the remarks in a ceremony commemorating the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
ˈIran is ready to help the international community accomplish a more peaceful, prosperous and developed world,ˈDehqan noted.
He underlined that working with the international community for building a world free of violence has been always part of Islamic Republicˈs defense doctrine.
ˈIranian nation is a peace-seeking nation and has not raided any other country in the past two centuries,ˈ the minister added.
Some 4.5 million hectares of Iran’s soil contaminated with mines have been cleared and decreased to less than 28,000 hectares, he said.
R.S