TEHRAN: Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called on the United Nations yesterday to undertake reforms to reflect the “growing role of developing countries”.
“To continue its presence in the international political and economic scene, the United Nations needs to undertake fundamental reforms,” the Isna news agency quoted Araqchi as saying.
He was speaking at a ceremony in Tehran to mark the 68th anniversary of the UN charter going into effect, which was attended by UN Development Programme administrator Helen Clark.
“These reforms must reflect the change in global order, particularly the growing role of developing countries, the right of nations to determine their own fates and to allow (nations) to enjoy new technologies,” said Araqchi, whose country holds the presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Araqchi led Iran’s negotiating team in talks with the major powers last week on its controversial nuclear programme, which has drawn several rounds of UN sanctions as well as far tougher measures from the European Union and the United States.
Western governments suspect Iran is seeking to develop a nuclear weapons capability under the cover of its civilian programme, a claim vehemently denied by Tehran, which is pressing for an easing of the sanctions.
“These illegal, inhumane and oppressive sanctions target Iranian citizens ... as well as the country’s developing programmes in health, education and its fight against poverty,” Araqchi said.
AFP
