Iran’s ambassador to Paris said the nuclear deal with world powers could help “calm the turbulent Middle East region.”
Ali Ahani made the remark in an interview with Radio France Internationale on Tuesday, in which he talked about the implications of the nuclear accord at regional and international levels, Fars news agency reported.
Describing the deal as a “significant agreement for all,” including the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany), he said the accord can guarantee the transparency of the Iranian nuclear program as well as the continuation of Iran’s entirely civilian nuclear program under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Asked about Iran’s stance toward addressing conflicts in the region, especially in countering the so-called Islamic State terrorist group, Ahani said, “We have a clear principle in the fight against terrorism as we were among the first victims of terrorism … We have clearly demonstrated our seriousness in cooperation with Iraqi and Syrian governments.”
He said Iran will cooperate with any country that is keen on an effective campaign against terrorism.
"The agreement will allow Iran to continue and intensify cooperation with the world, which has been faced with severe limitations (in this regard) in recent years."
No Intention for Nukes
The envoy said Iran never intended to produce nuclear weapons, as it does not believe nuclear bombs can guarantee the safety of the country or other regional states.
"We have always insisted on making peaceful use of nuclear technology, as a member and a signatory to the NPT (Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons)."
Asked if Iran has concerns about the implementation of this agreement on the ground, Ahani said, "Each party to the agreement has certain commitments, and the implementation of these commitments is very important especially in a situation that we do not have enough confidence in some members of the P5+1," by which he implied the US.
He said on the nuclear issue US President Barak Obama is not alone in taking decisions, adding numerous factors in the US interfere with the issue.
Asked on Iran's expectations about receiving global political leaders and investors after the deal, Ahani said Iran has already been approached by various western leaders especially in the desire to deepen their relations with Iran.
In the economic and commercial fields, he said several business delegations particularly from Europe are interested to establish links with Iranian partners.
On the role of France in the course of negotiations, he said although French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius took a hard line toward negotiations when the talks were in progress, France played its part, adding that without the contribution of France it was not possible to get to the accord.
Asked if Iran's return to the international arena would be associated with the democratization of the country, he said, "We are already taking advantage of a particular democratic regime that is unique in the world."
The ambassador said a secular country like France might however find it difficult to get an understanding of a "religious democratic system" like the one which has been prevailing in Iran over the past 36 years.
"We believe in respect for human rights, respect for women's rights, and respect for religious minorities who are living in Iran in peace and have their own lawmakers in the Majlis (the Iranian Parliament)."
