London should take new initiatives if it wants to boost bilateral cooperation with Iran, the chairman of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee said.
In a meeting with Director of Middle East and North Africa at Britain’s Foreign Office Edward Oakden in Tehran on Tuesday, Aladdin Boroujerdi said: “London is expected to take crucial steps by adopting fresh approaches to boost (Iran-Britain) bilateral cooperation,” IRNA reported.
Referring to the previous policies of the British government towards Iran, he said London should exert more effort to create a new atmosphere in mutual ties “to wipe out the negative attitude among Iranian public opinion.”
Elsewhere, the lawmaker referred to the British government’s stand on issues such as the sanctions imposed against Tehran, the talks between Iran and the world powers on its nuclear program, and terrorism, noting that such stances have no positive effect on bilateral relations.
Boroujerdi blamed western double-standards toward democracy, free elections and the anti-terror campaign, and said the indifference shown by the West towards the will of the people in Bahrain for free elections on the basis of international standards and the lack of serious resolve in addressing regional terrorism, have created unfavorable repercussions for security and peace in the region and the world.
He stressed the principled policy of Iran in the campaign against terrorist groups and said, “Terrorism poses a serious threat against the security and progress of all nations and adopting incorrect policies lead to reinforcement and expansion of such groups in the region.”
The parliamentarian pointed to the situation in Syria and criticized western states for their short-sighted policies, adding that by overlooking national sovereignty and assisting terrorist aggressions in Syria, they have aggravated the situation, the continuation of which would be detrimental to all the involved parties.
The British official, for his part, stressed the significance of relations with Iran and said, “With an eye on the future, a new chapter should be opened in mutual ties.”
Oakden said Iranian culture and history is highly revered by the British people and government, adding, “We are keen to open a new chapter in bilateral ties (with Iran).”
Referring to the ongoing nuclear talks between Iran and P5+1 (five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany), he expressed hope that the negotiations would reach a positive result.
He also pointed to some challenges in relations between the UK and Iran and said, “London is doing its utmost to find solutions to the issues to the benefit of both sides.”
Referring to Britain’s policies vis-à-vis the fight against the so-called Islamic State terrorists, he said, “London is serious and determined to combat the group.”
