Iran Summons French Envoy over Paris’ Hosting of Terrorists
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The French ambassador in Tehran was summoned by the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Sunday in protest at France hosting terrorism, the ministry’s spokesman said.
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Monday, Esmaeil Baqaei said refraining from supporting terrorists is a binding international legal obligation.
He added that double standards in this regard would promote lawlessness.
Asked by Tasnim about France’s recent anti-Iran stances and claims, Baqaei said, “We hope that France will liberate itself from this confusion and adopt a constructive approach towards the region. We have responded promptly to the positions taken in recent days.”
He added that the French statements made about Iran’s nuclear program are unfounded and lack any real basis. “Unfortunately, such (assertions) are an attempt to deflect. These remarks are completely unacceptable.”
As for the murder of two Iranian nationals in France, he said, “We have followed up on the matter concerning the two Iranian citizens. We have not yet received sufficient information regarding the essence of the issue to determine whether the murders were of a terrorist nature or not. Our embassy in France is pursuing the matter. We hope that justice will be served against the perpetrators of this crime.”
In a statement on Saturday, Baqaei denounced France’s move to host a meeting of the terrorist Mujahedin-e-Khalq Organization (MKO) as a clear example of supporting terrorism and violating the French government’s international legal obligations to prevent and fight terror.
He referred to the history of terrorist acts by the MKO terrorist organization, which have killed thousands of innocent Iranians and injured thousands more. Baqaei also recalled the group's collaboration with Saddam's regime during the eight-year military aggression against Iran, the ministry’s website reported.
The spokesperson described the continued presence and activities of the MKO terrorist group in France as a violation of France's international legal obligations under relevant international treaties related to combating terrorism and UN Security Council Resolution 1373.