Tehran, Nov 20, IRNA - Foreign Minister Javad Zarif released a web video on a new YouTube channel on November 19, titled �A way forward� for relations between Iran and the rest of the world, and calling for an end to �an unnecessary crisis�.
The Tuesday video was posted on the internet on the eve of the fresh talks between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (Russia, China, France, Britain and US) plus Germany in Geneva.


In the five-minute Foreign Ministry video, Zarif said that the path to a resolution of the dispute over Iran�s nuclear program is open and world powers should seize an �historic opportunity� to clinch a deal.

He added that there was a chance to end the stand-off as long as western governments dealt with Iran on an �equal footing� and did not seek to impose their will on others.

The election of moderate Hassan Rouhani as president earlier this year opened a diplomatic window to try to untangle the decade-long deadlock that has at times edged towards conflict in the Middle East.

�This past summer, our people chose constructive engagement through the ballot box, and through this, they gave the world a historic opportunity to change course,� Zarif said in the video posted online with subtitles in several languages.

�To seize this unique opportunity we need to accept equal footing and choose a path based on mutual respect and recognition of the dignity of all peoples and that no power, however strong, can determine the fate of others. This is no longer an option,� said Zarif.

�For us Iranians, nuclear energy is not about joining a club or threatening others. Nuclear energy is about a leap, a jump towards deciding our own destiny rather than allowing others to decide for us,� Zarif said, adding,

�What would you do if you were told this is not an option? Would you back down?�

The minister stated that Iran needs nuclear energy for securing the �future of our children� and �diversifying our economy�.

�For us, nuclear energy is about securing the future of our children; about diversifying our economy; about stopping the burning of our oil; and about generating clean power. It�s about Iranian nation moving forward, as an equal in a new realm, defined by peace, by prosperity, by progress.�

Zarif noted that the choice was neither submission nor confrontation.

�There is a way forward. A constructive path towards determining our destiny. To advance. To make progress. To secure peace, to go forward.

�We all need a sober appreciation of our common destiny; our common challenges; and our common opportunities.

�We also need the conviction that imposition is not sustainable. A conviction that we cannot gain at the expense of others. A conviction that we either win together or lose together. That balance is key to success.

�Honest dialogue and real confidence --- this is all dependent on equal footing, mutual respect and common interest. But more so on dignity --- for all. We promised this to our people --- and to the world. And we always keep our promises.

�The Iranian people are determined to explore this path. Join us in ending an unnecessary crisis and opening new horizons.�

By IRNA

 

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