Gaza Truce Prerequisite for World Peace: Iranian President
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian denounced the Israeli regime’s acts of terrorism and genocidal crimes against Palestinians, describing an end to the Zionist occupation and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as the prerequisite for world peace and development.
The Iranian president made the remarks on Monday, addressing the “Strengthening the United Nations Goals” session held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
“Cessation of the (Israeli) occupation and apartheid in Palestine and immediate ceasefire in Gaza are preconditions for international development and peace,” he said, Press TV reported.
“In a world where civilians are being killed ruthlessly in Gaza, blind state terrorism sheds the blood of children and women, and genocide and assassination is being supported, (conclusion of) no document would serve to guarantee peace and development,” the president said.
Pezeshkian said Iran demanded elimination of weapons of mass destruction from the region without any preconditions.
“Iran demands a strong, united, safe, and stable region, where the resources of the regional countries are used for (bringing about) synergy towards (realization of) economic and social development and disposal of common problems,” he added.
Citing an instance of Iran’s contribution to regional stability, he mentioned the Islamic Republic’s having invariably served as a leading force in fighting terrorism, and said the country was prepared for cooperation with other countries, which were similarly after “real confrontation” with the evil phenomenon.
Pezeshkian, meanwhile, addressed the issue of the unilateral sanctions that have been imposed on Iran and some other countries on the part of the United States and its allies.
“Unilateral sanctions stop realization of sustainable development goals,” he said, adding, “This fact has to be included in whatever document that is being prepared for the future.”
Pezeshkian proposed that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres present the world body’s General Assembly with a comprehensive report on the issue of the sanctions that is compiled in cooperation with the countries that have been subjected to the economic measures.
“Achievement of peace and development requires respect for the countries’ right to development…and adherence to the principles of fairness and implementation of the developed countries’ commitments towards the developing ones,” he asserted.