Iran Dismisses Report on Alleged Cooperation with Israel in CTBTO
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – An official with Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed as an "evident instance of distorting the realities" a Reuters report claiming that Iran and Israel have cooperated in nuclear test detection drills in Jordan.
On Wednesday, Reuters quoted Secretary General of the Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) Lassina Zerbo as claiming that Iran and Israel have been cooperating under the auspices of the body set up to monitor a ban on nuclear bomb tests.
The Iranian official categorically rejected the report as baseless.
He said that Iran actively participates in international specialized and technical sessions, especially those held by the United Nations and its affiliated bodies, and that the presence of any other participant in an international meeting is no reason for Iran to withdraw or impede its active participation in that meeting.
The official further noted that Iran's participation in such meetings does not at all mean cooperation or approval of other participants.
The foreign ministry official described the report carried by Reuters as fabricated and said the move is a blatant instance of distorting the realities and an unprofessional action.
"In this international session, which was held in Jordan six months ago with over 364 top scientists and experts from more than 53 countries in attendance, representatives of different countries including the Islamic Republic of Iran took part in technical discussions while maintaining their principled and political positions, as it is common in all international organizations," the official added.