FM Criticizes Britain for Destructive Stances on Iran’s Nuclear Issue

TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki called on his British counterpart on the sideline of the 61st United Nations General Assembly meeting.

According to a Foreign Ministry statement, Mottaki, in his meeting with Britain’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Margaret Beckett, stressed the need for the explicit expression of views by the two sides about various issues of interest, and lashed out at Britain for its destructive role and stances in the face of Iran’s nuclear issue.

“During the past several years, Britain has accompanied the US in rocking the boat whenever constructive initiatives were presented,” he said.

Elsewhere, the top diplomat named performance of foreign troops in Iraq and Afghanistan as the major element underlying continued insecurity and instability in those countries, asserting that a part of insecurities and terrorist measures in southern and eastern Iran are a result of the existing links between terrorist agents and the foreign forces present in the region.

He also criticized Britain as drug-campaign coordinator in Afghanistan, reminding that plantation and production of narcotics has undergone a 60% increase in that country.

Mottaki also stated that the problems and barriers created by the British agent banks for the Iranian companies have made them think of some reliable sources as replacements.

For her part, Britain’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Margaret Beckett welcomed straightforward talks with her Iranian counterpart.

She accepted the existence of an atmosphere of distrust in the nuclear issue, but meantime voiced her country’s support for the peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue.

She confirmed increase in the production of narcotics in Afghanistan and further called for the promotion of cooperation with Iran in the area of trade and commerce.

Also noting Iran’s role and position in relation to regional issues, the top diplomat called for Iran’s more active participation in the establishment of regional security and stability.