Iranian Parliament Speaker questioned the efficiency of so-called anti-terrorism coalitions, stressing that “real and serious determination” is required to root out terrorist groups.
“We hope that countries that have joined such coalitions have a real and serious resolve to destroy terrorist groups,” Larijani said Monday in a meeting in Tehran with Bulgaria’s foreign minister.
The Iranian speaker added, however, that as long as terrorist groups continue to receive funds and supports from certain countries, fighting terrorism would get nowhere.
He also regretted the double-standard behaviors of some regional states, saying that such behaviors have paved the way for terrorists to even infiltrate countries like France and carry out acts of sabotage there.
He was referring to a series of coordinated attacks at various locations in the French capital on November 13 that left over 130 dead and 350 injured, prompting President Francois Hollande to declare a state of emergency, increase defense spending and step up national anti-terror security.
Elsewhere in the meeting, Larijani highlighted the potential of Iran and Bulgaria for promotion of bilateral ties in different cultural, educational and tourism areas.
Bulgaria’s top diplomat, for his part, called for enhanced relations between the two countries, especially in trade and cultural and tourism cooperation.
Daniel Mitov also referred to terrorism as one of Sofia’s main concerns, saying terrorist groups have created international challenges and must be dealt with as soon as possible.
He further underlined the role the European Union can play in resolving the crises in Syria and other regional states plagued by terrorism, but at the same time said that the countries in the region can have a more fundamental part in the settlement of the crises.
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