Iran Press/ America: Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, Majid Takht-e Ravanchi, on Tuesday in his speech to the UN Special Committee for Peacekeeping, announced the readiness of the Islamic Republic of Iran to participate in UN peacekeeping operations by sending military battalions, police, military observers as well as support services to these missions.
Noting that peacekeeping missions continue to play a vital role in maintaining international peace and security, the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations stressed the importance of the General Assembly's Special Committee on Peacekeeping in fully examining all aspects of peacekeeping operations.
Takht-e Ravanchi added: "Peacekeeping missions must be carried out in accordance with the goals and principles of the UN Charter and the principle of non-use of force, except in self-defense, with the consent of the parties to the conflict and with neutrality."
Iran's representative to the United Nations stressed that respect for equality of sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity of all countries and non-interference in their internal affairs must be fully respected.
Majid Takht-Ravanchi went on to emphasize the importance of the contribution of countries in all stages of UN peacekeeping decisions, and the effective participation of UN members as a factor in the effectiveness of these missions.
The Iranian diplomat added: "Civilian protection is the primary responsibility of host countries and should be aimed at supporting national efforts to enhance civilian protection, In this regard, any military intervention by the United Nations or any other foreign force under the pretext of protecting civilians must be strongly avoided." 219
