TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that Tehran has always sought an atmosphere away from tensions and conflicts, stressing that if the EU states adopt an independent stance on Iran’s nuclear case, the issue could be solved.
According to a Presidential Pres Office, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad met with Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi on the sidelines of the ongoing 61st annual session of the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed key regional and international issues and exchanged views about expansion of Tehran-Rome ties.
Alluding to Iran’s prominent status and role in Middle East and world issues, he said that the “hatred of regional nations towards the US is increasing” and warned European countries to “take stock of developments and adopt effective stances.”
Ahmadinejad also lauded Italy’s position on the recent Israeli military aggression on Lebanon.
“The US and Britain, which have been flouting concerns over the exact nature of Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities, have not only kept silent on the Zionist regime’s non-conventional arms activities but have also helped it in its recent aggression on Lebanon by equipping the regime with the most modern, destructive weapons,” he said.
Prodi said Italy “holds on to its stance that negotiation is the best way to settle the Iran nuclear issue and believes the trend of talks is positive.”
He said that Tehran is a country with great influence in the international arena and there was no doubt it plays an effective and active role in the region. “Today Iran enjoys a special status in regional and international affairs.”
The Italian prime minister voiced his country’s eagerness to promote ties with Iran in all fields.