Europe’s indifference strengthened terrorists: President Rouhani

President Hassan Rouhani has criticized the Europeans for failing to deal with terror threats in due time, saying the lack of a timely European Union response led to a rise in terrorism and violence.

In a meeting with visiting President of the Belgian Senate Christine Defraigne in Tehran, President Rouhani described terrorism as a great threat to the entire world and said all resources must be mobilized to uproot terror.

“Unfortunately, in the years when terrorism began to grip people in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, Europe remained indifferent to some extent, and only engaged in the fight against this evil phenomenon after it extended to Europe,” President Rouhani said.

Rouhani also called for the fight against all types of terror groups, saying the terrorists should not be divided into good and bad ones in pursuit of “short-term interests.”

The president further said everyone should help cut the flow of money and weapons to the terrorist groups, particularly the ones operating in the Middle East, stressing, “We must not allow the terrorists to loot Syria oil and Iraqi antiquities.”

He added that the landmark nuclear accord proved that dialogue is the key to the resolution of complicated global issues.

The chief executive further emphasized the need for the enhancement of Tehran-Brussels ties in all areas, particularly economy, saying Tehran welcomes the presence of Belgian investors and businessmen in the Iranian market.

The senior Belgian parliamentarian also praised Iran’s efforts in the fight against terrorism, stressing the Islamic Republic’s vital role in protecting regional stability.

SS