Iran Welcomes Int’l Cooperation against Terrorism
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham said Tehran welcomes counter-terrorism efforts by all states, but at the same time asked for respecting the sovereignty of other countries in the fight against extremism.
Speaking about Turkey’s recent attacks on the positions of ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) terrorist group in Syria, Afkham underscored the need for all-out cooperation among governments against terrorism while showing respect for national sovereignty of other countries.
The Iranian spokeswoman on Saturday reaffirmed Tehran’s principled stance in opposition to all forms of terrorism and extremism, saying, “We believe any tolerance toward terrorism and Takfiri extremism would further encourage them (terrorists) and result in further inhumane crimes by them (terrorists).”
Afkham, however, said that any type of campaign against terrorism should respect basic principles of international law, particularly the national sovereignty of states.
“Undoubtedly, any move that would undermine the national sovereignty of states can in fact embolden terrorist groups in committing their brutal crimes,” she told the Islamic Republic News Agency.
Iran seriously believes that terrorism will not be uprooted unless terrorists are weaned from financial aid and arms supply, she emphasized.
Turkish planes pounded ISIL positions in Syria on Friday and Saturday, marking a significant shift in Ankara's position on how to deal with the terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq.
Turkish fighter jets also bombed military positions of Turkey's Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in neighboring Iraq.
Ankara also approved the full use of its airbases by the US-led coalition against ISIL, marking a major change in its policy following a suicide bomb attack in Suruc, bordering Syria.
