Iran Foreign Ministry Not Meddling with Coronavirus Health Protocols: Spokesman
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry dismissed speculation that the ministry was meddling with the enforcement of the health protocols for containing the novel coronavirus, saying it is only working on the repatriation of Iranian nationals stranded in other countries.
In a statement on Friday, Seyyed Abbas Mousavi reacted to allegations made by some uninformed individuals regarding the return of Iranian university students from Italy, stressing that the Foreign Ministry is in contact with other countries, including Italy, to make arrangements to help Iranian nationals abroad return home amid travel restrictions imposed following the coronavirus outbreak.
He emphasized that the Iranian government is working in full coordination with all institutions to fight COVID-19 and reduce its repercussions.
“Following the coronavirus outbreak and cancellation of flights or closure of many borders, one of the tough missions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been to bring home Iranians interested in returning to the country, including university students,” he said, according to the Foreign Ministry’s website.
“This was done through intense consultations with officials of relevant countries and in coordination with the health ministry and airlines, and efforts are still underway,” he said.
“It goes without saying that after the transfer of our dear fellow countrymen to the country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no involvement in the enforcement of health protocols, and basically, such an important issue does not fall within the domain of its responsibilities and mission,” he said.
“It falls on the Ministry of Health to protect Iranian people’s lives and health, and all Iranian nationals must abide by the regulations and health protocols of the ministry under any circumstances,” the spokesman added.