TEHRAN

TEHRAN — Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday dismissed the recent statement issued by G8 foreign ministers about the country’s nuclear and missile programs. 

 

In a statement issued after a meeting in London on April 11, G8 foreign ministers “expressed their deep concern regarding Iran’s continuing nuclear and ballistic missile activities in violation of numerous UN Security Council and IAEA Board of Governors resolutions.” 

 

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said, “Iran’s missile program is in line with the country’s defense doctrine in legitimate defense of Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity and poses no threat to any country.”  

 

He also said that “the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear program is entirely peaceful and is under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency and can in no way be a source of concern.” 

 

Elsewhere in his remarks, Mehmanparast dismissed another part of the statement in which G8 ministers “urged Iran to comply with international obligations to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion, and end interference with the media, arbitrary executions, torture, and other restrictions placed on rights and freedoms.” 

 

The Iranian spokesman said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a religious (state) established based on the demand and will of the people abides by its international commitments in the area of human rights.” 

 

He added that the human rights issue should not be used as a tool for political purposes. 

http://www.tehrantimes.com/politics/106949-official-dismisses-g8-statement-about-irans-missile-nuclear-programs