West has reached impasse in Libya: Salehi
Salehi made the remarks during a joint press conference with Nassirou Arifari Bako, the Beninese minister of foreign affairs, African integration, francophonie, and Beninese diaspora in Tehran.
“The West has reached an impasse in Libya and has completely destroyed the country,” Salehi stated.
A large number of citizens have been killed in the NATO strikes against Libya, he said, adding, “Now they (the Westerners) have come to the conclusion that they have been following a wrong path regarding Libya.”
Iran, Turkey, Syria are members of one family
Salehi also replied to a question about the news reports saying that the Turkish authorities have intercepted an arms shipment from Iran that was destined for Syria.
Salehi said, “Iran, Turkey, and Syria are members of an important family in the Middle East region.”
He added, “Mr. Davutoglu made a trip to Tehran a month ago, and we are in regular talks with Turkish officials over developments in regional countries, including Syria.”
However, certain media outlets are seeking to politicize issues through reporting such claims, he said.
Two U.S. citizens will hopefully be released
Asked about the news reports saying that the two U.S. citizens, who are being detained in Iran, will be released during the lunar month of Ramadan (which began on August 2 in Iran), Salehi said, “We hope the trial procedure goes in such a way that a result is achieved which would lead to their release.”
Sarah Shourd, Shane Bauer, and Joshua Fattal were arrested by border guards on July 31, 2009 after illegally entering Iran’s territory from Iraq’s Kurdistan region. The three have been charged with illegal entry and espionage.
Shourd was released from prison on bail of $500,000 on September 14, 2010.
Prospect of Tehran-Riyadh ties
Commenting on the relations between Tehran and Riyadh, Salehi said, “We have repeatedly announced that we do not have any problem with Saudi Arabia in terms of bilateral relations,” and the issue is the two countries’ different perspectives on regional developments.
“We have said that misunderstandings could be cleared up, and I think that the other side is also ready and keen to do that,” he added.
“The holding of talks between Tehran and Riyadh with the aim of promoting peace, stability, and security in the region will be productive and influential, and we hope consultations will be held in the near future,” Salehi stated.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian foreign minister spoke about relations between Tehran and Porto Novo and announced that Iran and Benin have agreed to open embassies in each other’s country.
Salehi described Benin as an important country regarding its geopolitical and geostrategic status, saying Iran is keen to expand ties with this country.
I hope anti-Iran sanctions will be lifted
The Beninese foreign minister also said that Benin attaches great significance to its comprehensive relations with Iran and expressed hope that the sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic will be lifted soon.
The Iranian and Beninese foreign minister also held a meeting before the press conference, in which they agreed to establish Iran-Benin joint economic commission and to sign a visa-free travel agreement.