Iran Press/Asia: Eshaq Jahangiri made the remarks during the 18th summit of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Saturday.
Iran's First Vice President said, "The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is an efficient and successful model of multilateral diplomacy that was signed after Iran's long and difficult negotiations with six influential world powers, and was unanimously endorsed by the United Nations Security Council in Resolution 2231," Iran Press reported.
"However, the US government in an ill-considered and illegal step pulled out of the agreement and also imposed financial and banking sanctions on Iran, thereby blocking Iran's access to economic cooperation with all the countries of the world, including the countries who were signatories to the agreement," he added.
The VP pointed out that US unilateral measures -- slapping sanctions on Tehran -- were a clear example of economic terrorism and a gross violation of the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.
The First Vice President stated, "It is obvious that the continuation of the JCPOA will be possible only with a balance in the fulfillment of obligations by all parties and the Islamic Republic of Iran must be allowed to benefit economically from this agreement."
He said maritime security as a recognized principle of international law has always been observed by Iran.
"The maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz is based on the harmless passage of all vessels, without discrimination, and the Islamic Republic of Iran considers any measures necessary to safeguard the safety of the Strait and protect its maritime borders as part of its obvious rights and any security measures," he said noting, Iran will not accept any militarisation of the Persian Gulf, and obstacles in the way of free navigation in the Persian Gulf.
Commenting further Jahangiri said, "Hormuz Peace Endeavor, presented by President Rouhani at the recent UN General Assembly, is a good opportunity to achieve lasting peace, cooperation, and partnership among regional countries, ensuring the security of shipping, free navigation, and security of energy. And with global trade exchanges with the region, we look forward to the support of the international community and regional organizations."
"Iran believes that the path of development and prosperity of the countries in the region goes through economic and trade cooperation and Iran is ready to cooperate with regional initiatives in this field," Jahangiri noted.
The high ranking official highlighted, "Iran's geographical location enables transit of goods to countries in the West, East, North, and South and we are interested in using this strategic location to help our country's sustainable development and growth and economic integration with other countries in the region. With huge investments, various road and rail corridors such as North-South Corridor, Persian Gulf-Black Sea Corridor, Chabahar Port East Corridor, Eco-approved Road, and Rail Corridors, as well as Eco aviation corridors have been created to facilitate transit transportation."
The Iranian Vice President reiterated that Iran's engagement within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization strengthens this international coalition to promote lasting peace and co-existence and to create new opportunities for development and enhance the comfort and satisfaction of the peoples of the world.
18th meeting of the Council of Heads of Governments of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) opened in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan on 2 November 2019.
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18th meeting of SCO Heads of Governments opens in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
