The Elders Call for Final Agreement on Iran Nuclear Program

The delegation, headed by Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, paid a visit to Iran from January 26-28 to exchange ideas with the Iranian leadership about peaceful ways of addressing the conflicts issues in the region.

Former President of Finland and Nobel Peace Laureate Martti Ahtisaari, former President of Mexico Ernesto Zedillo, and retired South African Anglican bishop Desmond Tutu accompanied Annan in his visit to Tehran.

Following their three-day visit, the group hailed the “frankness of our conversations” with the Iranian officials.

“We are very encouraged with our hosts,” Annan said in a statement on Thursday. “We are convinced that Iran can be a key factor for stability and opportunity in the region, thanks to its historical role and capacity to influence others.”

Annan also underlined that Iran should be part of the solution to the Syrian crisis, Reuters reported.

Earlier in Tehran, the former UN secretary general had described his talks with senior Iranian officials over the regional and international issues as “constructive”.

Another member of the group, Former Mexican president Ernesto Zedillo urged the world to engage with the Islamic Republic.

“The world needs to engage with Iran and help realize its potential. Because then, everyone will benefit.”

He also called on other countries to develop economic ties with Iran, saying “Iran is at a crossroads. It has well educated and cultured citizens, including many young people, who are ready to seize enormous opportunities and take advantage of the global economy."

The Elders’ delegation met President Hassan Rouhani, parliament speaker Ali Larijani, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, among others, on the trip.

The group was formed in 2007 by Nelson Mandela and is made up of 12 former global leaders who “promote peace, justice and human rights."