Zarif: Terrorism Phenomenon Has No Boundaries

TEHRAN, (ST)- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has stressed that he has had “positive and constructive” talks with French President and foreign minister on the fight against terrorism.

Zarif, who made the remarks during a joint press conference with his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault in Paris on Wednesday, warned  that the inauspicious phenomenon of terrorism has no boundaries and expressed hope that the world will reach political solutions to the crises in Syria, Yemen and Bahrain.

 Iranian media quoted Zarif as saying in the press conference that “we are ready to continue the dialogue as we need a comprehensive vision about settlement in Syria”, stressing that the Syrian people have the ability to reach solution through dialogue.

Iran is ready for international dialogue with France and the European Union countries on this issue and “we hope that cooperation between Tehran and Paris will benefit peace and stability in the world,” The Iranian top diplomat said.

On the nuclear file, Zarif, Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, said Iran has fully complied with its commitments under the major nuclear deal reached between Tehran and six world powers last year.

“Iran is fully committed to its commitments under JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) and will not violate it and asks the other party not to violate its commitments,”  Zarif clarified.

While the JCPOA, a 159-page nuclear agreement between Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) came into force in January 2016, some Iranian officials complain about Washington’s excessive demands after the deal and its failure to fully implement the accord.

As regards ties with Paris, Zarif said ground have been readied for mutual cooperation after President Hassan Rouhani’s visit to the European country.

 Global Efforts against Terrorism Needed

At a meeting with Chairman of the French Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces Commission Jean-Pierre Raffarin in Paris on Wednesday,  Zarif highlighted the importance of concerted global efforts against terrorism.

He stressed that an effective fight against terrorism requires serious global cooperation.

He added, “We, as a victim of terrorism, are ready for any kind of cooperation to tackle this global issue”

Hamda Mustafa