Iran Press/ Iran news: In his statement, Bagheri Kani paid respect to the martyrs of the chemical attacks, especially those who perished in the cowardly assault on Sardasht by Iraq's former Ba'athist regime. He also expressed his heartfelt wishes for the health and well-being of the chemical veterans who continue to suffer from the effects of these inhumane weapons.
The Acting Foreign Minister emphasized that choosing the anniversary of the Sardasht attack as the National Day of Combating Chemical and Biological Weapons underscores Iran's status as the biggest victim of the widespread use of chemical arms in contemporary history, as well as its unwavering resolve to oppose such armaments.
Bagheri highlighted the extensive material, scientific, and technical support provided by some European governments and companies, particularly Germany, the Netherlands, and Britain, along with the political, military, and diplomatic backing of the United States and Britain, which enabled Saddam's regime to produce and use chemical weapons during the eight-year imposed war on Iran.
The Acting Foreign Minister stressed that despite the UN's verification of the continued use of chemical weapons against Iranian soldiers and citizens, the same Western countries imposed a serious media blackout and continued to provide political, diplomatic, and military support to the Saddam regime. He stated that such inhumane and illegal actions will never be forgotten by the Iranian nation.
Bagheri Kani called for lawsuits against the perpetrators of chemical attacks and their accomplices, emphasizing that these cases will not be forgotten over time. He stated that in addition to the trial of criminals in the court of human conscience and public opinion, national and international courts must also fulfill their responsibility in holding the perpetrators accountable and reclaiming the rights of the chemical victims.
The Acting Foreign Minister also highlighted the challenges faced by chemical veterans in accessing necessary medical items and equipment due to the illegal and cruel unilateral sanctions imposed by Western countries, particularly the United States. He stressed that the repeated claim of the US regarding the exemption of humanitarian items from the sanctions is false and has been confirmed by the special rapporteur's report on unilateral coercive measures.
Bagheri Kani concluded by emphasizing Iran's commitment to the goals of the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and its efforts to promote international cooperation in the peaceful use of science and chemicals, as well as to help protect against chemical weapons. He highlighted Iran's recent hosting of the 11th international medical aid and protection course against chemical weapons in cooperation with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
The message from Iran's Acting Foreign Minister serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of chemical weapons and the need for accountability and support for the victims. It also underscores Iran's continued efforts to promote a world free of these inhumane armaments and to ensure that the sacrifices of the martyrs and the suffering of the chemical veterans are not forgotten.
During the ceremony, a minute of silence was observed in honor of the Iranian Martyred Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Sardasht martyrs.
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