Illegal sanctions imposed on Iran blatant example of economic terrorism: Qalibaf

Majlis (Parliament) Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said the illegal sanctions imposed on Iran by Western countries, topped by the United States, constitute a blatant example of state terrorism, adding that parliaments can play a key role in fighting against terrorism and preventing extremism and violence.

According to Press TV, he made the remarks on Thursday while addressing a conference on countering terrorism and strengthening regional ties, which was held in Antalya, Turkey. The conference was also attended by missions from China, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan and Russia.

“If the use of force, fear and pressure to achieve political goals is a key element in defining terrorism, then there is no doubt that the United States’ unilateral and cruel sanctions on parts of the world and on the Iranian people is a clear example of economic terrorism,” Qalibaf said.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Qalibaf said Iran has always believed that parliaments can play an important role in strengthening relations between nations as well as in preventing the spread of violent extremism and fighting terrorism.

He emphasized that certain countries, in particular the United States of America and the illegitimate regime of Israel, take advantage of terrorism and terrorist groups as a tool to achieve their goals with impunity.

The Speaker also referred to the coronavirus pandemic as a new phenomenon that has exacerbated the spread of terrorism and violent extremism.

“Terrorists exploit disputes, lack of [public] trust, and economic problems created by COVID-19 in order to spread fear, hatred and division, as well as to radicalize and recruit new members,” he stated.

Unlike COVID-19, he continued, terrorism has not been acknowledged as a new phenomenon, while it has gravely threatened world peace and security.

Qalibaf noted that it is quite clear and undeniable that the Islamic Republic of Iran has always been exposed to terrorism and therefore has always tried to play a prominent role in the front line of countering terrorism.

“Undoubtedly, the systematic fight against terrorism and extremism as a destructive global threat requires recognizing and confronting the ideological contexts and origins of the troublesome countries that support them,” he remarked.

“In fact, the strategy of some countries is taking advantage of terrorism as a weapon to advance their foreign policy goals rather than fighting it,” the Speaker added.

SS