US behaving like ISIL in threatening to destroy Iran's cultural sites: Zarif

AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif underlined that the US is behaving like ISIL terrorist group when it threatens to annihilate Iran’s cultural heritage sites dating back several thousand years.

Zarif made the remarks in a statement in the wake of a ban on his visa to take part in the UN Security Council (UNSC) meeting in New York.

The statement was read by Iranian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UN Majid Takht Ravanchi.

Referring to the devastating unilateralism of the US and its detrimental effects on international rules and norms, Zarif described the assassination of commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Qods Force commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani as a cowardly act.

The Iranian foreign minister said that if other countries do not resist the US unilateralism, they will pay more costs.

Zarif said the US unilaterally exits important international agreements and pursues punishing the countries that implement UN Security Council's resolution No. 2231, calling them an unprecedented sheer insult to UNSC.

"To reinforce multilateralism, unilateralists must not be encouraged," he stressed.

Zarif said the promotion of multilateralism requires a serious political will of governments and is considered as a document in support of the values, principles, and multilateralism set out in the UN Charter.

“Such a document should include a renewed commitment to the UN Charter, non-interference in the internal and external affairs of countries, and a ban on a threat or use of force," the Iranian Foreign Minister noted.

In relevant remarks on Thursday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a phone conversation with President of the European Council Charles Michel called on the European states to respond to the US economic terrorism against Tehran and assassination of IRGC Qods Force Commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani.

"The US committed economic terrorism by stepping up economic sanctions against Iran even on medicine and food and violated all international regulations by assassinating Iran's major commander, and Europe must respond to these US terrorist acts," Rouhani said during the conversation.

"The European Union is a major power in the world with a heavy responsibility and if it wants to contribute to regional peace and stability, Tehran is ready to cooperate with it".

During the phone call that was initiated by Michel, President Rouhani said, "Iran is ready to cooperate more closely with the European Union and we believe that the opportunity for cooperation should not be lost."

Referring to the condolences of the President of the European Council over the recent incidents, he said, "Mass demonstrations from Kashmir to Iraq and Lebanon following the assassination of Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani show the martyr's great popularity and role in the stability and security of the region."

"Iran and Europe want stability in the region and strengthening of the JCPOA, and it is very important for us that Europe, China, and Russia play their important role in preserving the JCPOA in order to secure Iran's interests," he added.

Rouhani described Iran's five steps in reducing its JCPOA commitment as restoring balance, stating, "Iran will continue to cooperate with the IAEA".

During the phone call, President of the European Council expressed his condolences over recent incidents in Iran, saying, "The JCPOA was the result of a 10-year negotiation and the EU will do its best to save the agreement".

"Europe is making every effort to play a positive role in global and regional political dynamics, and has repeatedly called on the United States in recent days to avoid further escalation of tensions in the region," said Michel.

"We are concerned about developments in the region and invite all parties to exercise restraint," he added.

The President of the European Council also praised Iran's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency in spite of the suspension of its obligations.

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