Iran and Cuba examine consequences of illegal US sanctions

Pars Today - Representatives of Razi Institute and Pasteur Institute of Iran held a joint session with representatives of Cuban companies to explain the effects and barriers originated in the illegal and unilateral sanctions imposed by the US in a bid to restrict these countries' access to and exploitation of bio-sciences and technologies.

The joint session of Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute and Pasteur Institute of Iran with their Cuban counterparts was held at the fourth session of the workgroup to strengthen the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention in Geneva, Switzerland. According to Pars Today, Keyhan Azadmanesh, representing the two Iranian institutes at the session, pointed to the achievements of the Islamic Republic of Iran in biological sciences and mentioned examples of international cooperation with countries such as Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Uzbekistan and Cuba in the field of production of vaccine and serum and holding different training courses in the field of biological sciences.

Explaining the 104-year history of Pasteur Institute of Iran and its role in controlling and eradication of diseases like smallpox, plague, TB and Covid 19, and the importance of this institute's international cooperation in production of sciences and vaccines, Azadmanesh pointed to the Cuban collaboration in making two recombinant vaccines, namely, Hepatitis B and Covid 19.

He called for providing mechanisms to secure scientific and hygienic cooperation within the framework of BTWC.

It should be mentioned that BTWC has been binding since March 1975 and 187 countries have become members of the convention.

According to article 10 of BTWC, peaceful exploitation of biological sciences has been recognized for all member states and they are obligated to facilitate full access to each other to the equipment, materials and information needed for peaceful enjoying such sciences.

The United States, however, through enforcement of illegal sanctions and restrictions and also violation of international legal conventions, including those affiliated to the biological convention, has breached the right of other countries for international cooperation and enjoying the capacities of biological sciences. 

RM/MG

Key phrases: effects of US sanctions against Iran, Iranian achievements, Iran's progress, Iran and Cuba cooperation