Iran Press/ Europe: Safari delivered a speech at the Commemorative High-Level Meeting on the Occasion of Marking the 60th Anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement Countries Belgrade on Wednesday.
Here is the statement by Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran:
Mr. Chairman,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset, allow me to express my sincere appreciation to the government and the people of Serbia for their cordial hospitality extended to my delegation. It is an honor to be here with you today to commemorate this auspicious occasion.
Mr. Chairman,
The surging global challenges we face today have reinforced the need for more significant collective action at the international level. With the growing threat of unilateralism and protectionism in the international arena, the Non-Aligned Movement can enhance and strengthen global partnerships to prove that multilateralism is no longer the prudent alternative; instead, it is the only viable response to the world’s pressing crises.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been among the most daunting tests of worldwide solidarity in generations. This pandemic —as any other— calls for a strong coordinated international response that can rapidly expand free and unimpeded access to tests, treatments and vaccines while recognizing extensive immunization as a public good that must be available and affordable for all, including developing and under-developed countries.
Distinguished colleagues,
When the founders of the Non-Aligned Movement gathered in Bandung Conference in 1955, their goal was to review the international order and try to make constructive changes in world power politics to preserve their independent identity. Today, the world is in a transition period, and the Non-Aligned Movement must interpret international realities correctly, and in the coming years, adopt and implement appropriate approaches and strategies to strengthen its position internationally.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently and continuously demonstrated its commitment to the NAM values and principles. We continue to advocate the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security in West Asia. In this context, we are engaged in active cooperation with the UN in peace efforts in Yemen, Syria, and Afghanistan.
Regionally, we have proposed several plans to provide necessary space for regional dialogue to resolve disputes and misunderstandings. Globally, we have demonstrated our resolute commitment to dialogue and diplomacy by actively participating in different international fora to help tackle many challenges, including the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The abject failure of Europe to provide the promised significant economic dividends to our people following the unlawful Trump’s withdrawal from the JCPOA and the tedious reluctance of the new US administration to abandon Trump’s failed “maximum pressure” policy are the main reasons for the current lack of progress on the implementation of the JCPOA.
Mr. Chairman,
Unilateralism and bullying practices of certain powers have undermined multilateralism and its practice. The extreme unilateral adventurism of the US is the most crucial challenge that almost all of us have been facing—one way or another. It continues to undermine the rule of law at the international level and threatens peace and stability throughout the world. While some nations, especially in our region, are victims of the US-made Takfiri terrorism, military aggressions based on false claims, and economic terrorism and UCMs, others bear the brunt of a crude American protectionist impulse.
The US Administrations’ hasty and chaotic plans to ensure the continuation of the Western liberal-democracy hegemony in the world centered on that government is a reality, not in the interest of developing countries. It is imperative to reject and prevent any perceived benefit and advantage drawn from unlawful unilateral actions and condemn any pressure in contravention of international law and the UN Charter to defend multilateralism.
The blind and unbridled support for apartheid in Palestine, and the denial of the basic rights of the Palestinian people, further exacerbate the unstable situation in the entire Middle East region. And, today, it is more incumbent upon NAM than ever to form a united front to reject unilateralism and promote multilateralism to tackle all complex challenges facing our movement today collectively.
Thank you
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