A senior advisor to the Leader says foreign countries should not be allowed to interfere in the affairs of the countries in the region.
Ali Akbar Velayati, director of the Expediency Council's Center for Strategic Research, expressed concern over the circumstances in the Middle East and North Africa and said, "It is necessary to stop foreign intervention in the region."
He made the remarks in a meeting with Suleyman Sensoy, the chairman of the Turkish Asian Center for Strategic Studies (TASAM), in Tehran on Sunday. He said, "All the regional countries should take steps to halt foreign intervention in the Middle East, since the policies of foreign elements in the region are reminiscent of colonialism era," IRNA reported.
"Iran and Turkey can stop foreign intervention in view of their ancient history," he commented.
"How can certain foreign powers bombard other countries such as Pakistan, Iraq, and Syria without obtaining permission from them?"
"Waging an aggressive war on the Gaza Strip and the slaughter of innocent civilians and children and destruction of infrastructures has no logical basis," he said. The Leader's advisor reiterated, "Iran has constantly assisted the people of Gaza in sincerity."
Elsewhere, he highlighted the importance that Iran attaches to its relations with Turkey and said, "Exchange of academic delegations can effectively boost Iran-Turkey ties." Sensoy also referred to the recent developments in the region and world and stressed the need to examine the issues more closely. He added that Iran and Turkey can play an effective role in addressing regional issues.
Backing Anti-Terror Efforts
Velayati also told reporters after the meeting that Iran supports every effort meant to eradicate the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group.
He referred to the US-led coalition against IS and said, "This coalition is a fabricated (grouping) and has no use but as propaganda."
He stated it is obvious that NATO and some US allies are supporting IS militants. "Iran opposes terrorism and it really combats it," he said. The senior official added, "Iran will help the friendly countries that are fighting terrorism and the IS terrorist group."
He described as "weird" the policy to create and support terrorist groups and at the same time pretend to fight against them.
