US sit-ins indicate vigilance of public opinion on Palestine: Kanaani
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The Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson emphasizes the significance of demonstrations and protests in US universities in support of Palestine.
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Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani speaks during a press conference in the capital Tehran in 2023. (AFP)
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani highlighted the extensive demonstrations and protests in support of Palestine at universities across the United States in his weekly press briefing.
He observed that these events demonstrate global public awareness and concern for the Palestinian cause. Additionally, they reflect, according to him, a strong sentiment of opposition toward the Zionist regime and condemnation of the Israeli government's actions in Gaza, particularly with the backing of the US and certain European nations.
Kanaani asserted that individuals advocating for justice would not condone the backing of certain states for the genocidal war waged by "Israel".
The top Iranian official emphasized that American authorities cannot quell protesters through punitive measures, expressing the Iranian Foreign Ministry's dismissal of crackdowns on students. He further urged the international community to intervene and address such concerning actions.
The dispatch of police forces to university campuses by the US reflects a double standard approach to human rights principles, argued the spokesperson.
He stressed that US officials should permit students to freely express their viewpoints, stating that efforts to silence student voices will not deter legitimate demands of public opinion.
Kanaani also called upon world states and proponents of the Zionist regime to prioritize this significant issue.
US complicity in the Israeli genocide in Gaza
The Iranian official remarked that the US is among the nations actively promoting what they term the normalization deal between regional countries and "Israel". This stance, he argued, indicates that Washington is not actively working toward facilitating a ceasefire in Gaza.
He suggested that if the US were genuinely committed to ending the Israeli aggression, it could cease its financial, political, and arms support for "Israel". Thus, the US administration's sincerity and capability in this regard remain in question.
The diplomat emphasized that the Palestine cause ranks among the most crucial regional and international concerns. He stressed that an immediate ceasefire is the utmost priority in the struggle in Gaza, which should be swiftly followed by the reopening of all crossings to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged territory.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of addressing the exchange deal between the Israeli regime and the Palestinian Resistance movement as another significant aspect of the situation.
Iran Expo 2024: A valuable opportunity for dialogue
Kanaani also stated that hosting the Iran Expo 2024 demonstrates Iran’s serious commitment to consolidating stability, security, and sustainable development in the region.
He emphasized that strengthening relations with all Gulf states is crucial for achieving stability, collective security, peace, and sustainable development throughout the region. He also highlighted Iran’s role as a harbinger of friendship and brotherhood among regional countries.
According to Kanaani, Iran believes that regional countries can attain security, prosperity, and sustainable development by working together based on common interests.
Iran Expo 2024 offers a valuable opportunity for dialogue among officials from Iran and more than 22 participating countries, he stated.
The exhibition represents a significant achievement for the Iranian government, he said, underscoring Iran’s active role in political and security matters aimed at stabilizing the region and countering security threats.
The top Iranian diplomat also added that the large number of foreign participants in the exhibition further highlights Iran’s commitment to fostering international cooperation.
Iran-Saudi relations: A natural progression
The spokesperson highlighted that relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia are progressing naturally, with ongoing bilateral discussions and consultations in both economic and political realms.
Kanaani noted the significance of Saudi Arabia's participation in the Iran Expo 2024, indicating a shared trade outlook between Iran and the Arab nation. Since the announcement of the resumption of diplomatic ties between Tehran and Riyadh in March 2023, economic matters have remained a focal point of discussion.
Highlighting Iranian Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Ehsan Khandouzi's attendance at the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) meeting in Saudi Arabia, the spokesperson mentioned that the Iranian delegation aims to engage in bilateral discussions with participants at the IsDB and the Davos 2024 conference in the Arab Muslim state.
He also expressed optimism for the future of Iran-Saudi Arabia relations, citing efforts by ambassadors from both countries to expand bilateral ties.
2023 Iran-Iraq Security Treaty: Hope for positive outcomes
Kanaani addressed the implementation of the 2023 Iran-Iraq Security Treaty during a recent briefing. He clarified that the treaty aims to enhance security along the shared borders and address Iranian concerns regarding border security issues within both countries.
According to Kanaani, Iran has clearly communicated its expectations from Iraq, with some aspects of these demands already fulfilled and others still under consideration. However, Tehran anticipates full compliance from Baghdad and hopes for positive outcomes from the agreement's implementation.
Terrorism: A universal threat
The top Iranian diplomat denounced any terrorist attacks targeting citizens or government facilities in Russia or elsewhere. He affirmed Iran's solidarity with its allies, including Russia, in combating terrorism, emphasizing that terrorism poses a universal threat to all nations. Kanaani criticized the exploitation of terrorism by certain countries to advance their agendas, highlighting the imperative of collective resolve and action in the fight against terrorism.
On IRGC's efforts in combating terrorism, he stressed that they have been instrumental in safeguarding the European Parliament from potential terrorist threats, considering that were it not for the IRGC's role in fighting multilateral terrorism, the members of the European Parliament would have been exposed to terrorist threats behind the doors of the parliament.
In this context, Kanaani emphasized the significant role of the IRGC as a leading anti-terrorism force globally and urged the European Parliament to carefully consider the IRGC's contributions when making decisions.
In a different context, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that Iran has been actively pursuing its water rights from Afghanistan under the bilateral treaty, highlighting Iran's efforts to assert its water rights with Afghanistan at various levels.
Additionally, he noted that approximately 112 million cubic meters of water have been allocated to Iran's borders as part of these efforts.
