The chairman of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee said the parliaments of Iran and Ireland can help improve the cordial relations between the two states.
In a meeting with former Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern in Tehran on Tuesday, Aladdin Boroujerdi touched on the positive historical ties between the two countries and said, "The parliamentary ties between the two countries can pave the way for increased cordial relations in all fields," ICANA reported.
Referring to the nuclear talks between Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany), he said the recent move by the US Congress to advance a new sanctions bill against Iran will damage the talks, reiterating, "The P5+1 will be blamed for any failure in the negotiations." The lawmaker said under a bill which has been brought before parliament, the government would be required to cancel the interim deal Iran and the major powers reached in Geneva in November 2013 and speed up the nuclear program if more sanctions were imposed.
Referring to the recent launch of a new domestically manufactured research satellite into orbit, he said, "Iranian advancements in various fields indicate that western sanctions not only failed to (negatively) affect the scientific and technological progress of Iran, but they have also accelerated the process."
Commenting on the situation in Syria, the parliamentarian criticized the West's double standards on the battle against terrorism and said, "Distinguishing between good and bad terrorism has brought about the current situation in the region and led to the rise of terrorist groups."
He added, "Such policies, if go on, would put the security and stability of the whole region in jeopardy." The former Irish prime minister said, "Ireland seeks expansion of ties with Iran in various areas."
Ahern wished success for the negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 and said, "It is hoped that successful talks would bring a positive development in relations between Iran and Europe."
He said increasing sanctions against Iran in the current situation would be detrimental to the nuclear talks.
