Pres. Rouhani: Insecurity in this region can be dangerous for entire world

AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): President of the Islamic Republic of Iran referred to the important, determining role of Martyr Lieut. Gen. Qasem Soleimani in protecting regional security and fighting terrorism, saying, "Regional nations and even people of Europe owe him a lot for fighting ISIS and if it were not for his activities against ISIS, Europe would be under great threat today".

President Hassan Rouhani spoke with President Emmanuel Macron of France on Tuesday evening and said that the Iranian nation is filled with sorrow because of the United States' crime, saying, "The Americans made a grave strategic mistake by assassinating Lieut. Gen. Qasem Soleimani".

Dr Rouhani also expressed hope that all countries that seek peace and sustainable security in the world would take decisive positions against this crime and terrorist act.

Stating that America's goal has not definitely been achieved by this terrorist act and that will have opposite results for them, saying, "After this crime, we are witnessing more unity and solidarity in the Iranian nation more than ever and the Iranian and Iraqi nations have become closer".

"This terrorist act of the US is the violation of Iraq's sovereignty and an insult to the country's government and nation, and a great, unforgivable crime against the Iranian nation," said Rouhani, adding that Martyr Lieut. Gen. Qasem Soleimani had visited Iraq at the official invitation of the Iraqi government to meet with the Prime Minister of the country.

Referring to the Iranian people's demand for a response to the US, the President added, "The American administration bears the responsibility for the consequences of this terror".

He went on to refer to the great sorrow in the freedom-seeking and Muslims around the world over Martyr Lieut. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, adding, "The Americans must know that today, their security and interests in the entire region is under a great threat and they cannot stay immune from the consequences of this great crime".

Emphasising that regional security is Iran's main strategy, Dr Rouhani said, "The goal of General Soleimani was to bring about lasting security and stability to the region and he is a champion of the fight against terrorism".

Referring to the important decision of the Iraqi Parliament in response to the US terrorist act, the president said, "We believe that the security of the region will be ensured only by the countries of the region; no one will benefit from tension in the region, and instability in this region can be dangerous for the whole world".

Dr Rouhani stated, "The Islamic Republic of Iran never seeks war and insecurity in the region, but does not hesitate to defend its rights and sovereignty".

The President emphasised the Iranian nation's resistance over the past 20 months, stating, "During this time Iran has been fulfilling its commitments and what has been done in the last 5 steps has been in the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), while the other side has fulfilled its obligations; and this has led to imbalances in the JCPOA".

Dr Rouhani added, "Whenever the other side fulfills its obligations, steps taken by Iran will be reversed".

At the same phone call, President Emmanuel Macron of France said, "We are all very concerned about peace and stability in the region and what has happened can increase unpredictable tensions," adding I understand in what bitter and sad conditions I am talking with you.

Reiterating his country's continued commitment to peace and stability, the French president expressed regret over recent events and announced his readiness to help ease tensions.

Referring to the importance of the JCPOA, Macron said, "France will continue its efforts to maintain this important international agreement and expects Iran to move in that direction".

.............................................
End/ 257