The UN chief has described Iran as an “important actor” in the region, calling on Tehran to “engage constructively” to help tackle regional issues.
“As I said many times in the past, Iran is an important actor and important country in the region when it comes to peace and security and harmony in the region,” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in a press conference at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday, days ahead the high-level segment of the 69th General Assembly session.
“And it’s important that Iranian leaders to address this Iranian nuclear issue with P5+1 as soon as possible, and also engage constructively in addressing many, many regional conflict issues,” he added.
Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany) are scheduled to resume a new round of high-level talks on Tehran’s nuclear program in New York today in pursuit of a long-term settlement to Iran’s nuclear issue.
Elsewhere, the UN official said, “I’m looking forward to my own meetings with President (Hassan) Rouhani and Foreign Minister (Mohammad Javad) Zarif during their stay in New York.”
“Again, I’m always ready to discuss and consult the Iranian leadership. I have also asked my special envoy on Syria, Mr. de Mistura, to have a closer consultation with Iranian leadership and he may soon visit Iran,” he added.
