Muscat: Oman is playing a positive role in the region to strengthen security and stability. We hope that all countries in the region will follow His Majestys policy, according to Ali Akbar Sibeveih, Irans new ambassador to Oman.Briefing local media on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran on Monday, the Iranian envoy hailed the Oman-Iran relationship. This is based on confidence, respect and interest shown by both sides. The relationship between the two countries is very strong and will grow further in the future. The wisdom shown by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said in dealing with all issues is admirable, he told a select group of local media persons at the embassy premises.
He believes the close relations between Iran and Oman are poised to attain greater heights.
The ambassador also said that Iran is looking forward to working with all countries in the world, except Israel.
On US Vice-President Joe Bidens statement that the United States is prepared to meet Iranian leaders to discuss Tehrans nuclear programme, the ambassador remarked, Our foreign minister, Ali Akbar Salehi, has hailed Bidens statement as a positive step forward. The United States has realised that conflict with Iran has no benefit. I believe they have chosen the right path.
Dismissing rumours that Iran supports certain groups in the region, he said: All these reports are false propaganda against Iran. It is similar to the news of a boat carrying weapons from Iran being captured by Yemeni authorities. The Yemenis were not able to furnish any proof on this matter.
He rejected claims that Iran was secretly pursuing a nuclear weapons programme.
From the beginning, we have maintained that Irans nuclear energy programme is completely peaceful. The International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] has visited Iranian sites more than a 100 times. We have assured them that we are not abusing the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iran has no problem with the IAEA, but we do have a problem with the West pressuring the agency, he reiterated.
According to a report inTimes of Oman, the Iranian envoy also said that Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei had issued a fatwa that forbids nuclear weapons.
So we are very serious when we say this. Besides, during the war against Iraq, we had chemical weapons, which we had obtained from the Shah Regime, but we did not use these weapons. We use atomic energy only in the field of medicine, agriculture, and science, he was quoted by the daily.
By Gulf News
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