The Elders, a group of former world leaders, in a statement on Wednesday, welcomed the lifting of sanctions against Iran as another important step in the process of normalizing relations between Iran and the international community.
The sanctions relief follows Iran’s implementation of its nuclear-related obligations under the July 14 landmark agreement with P5+1 (the US, Britain, France, Russia and China plus Germany).
According to the statement posted on the website of the Elders, former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan, the current chair of the group, said, “Building confidence among former adversaries is a slow and painstaking process. Iran has demonstrated its adherence to the agreed plan of action over its nuclear program. This could and should be the foundation for further measures to improve the regional security environment. “The Elders have supported the P5+1 negotiations with Iran from the outset and will maintain their engagement in the region.” The Elders are independent leaders using their collective experience and influence for peace, justice and human rights worldwide. The group was founded by the late South African leader Nelson Mandela in 2007.
