Iran VP criticizes ‘unfair’ UNSC veto mechanism

The unfair mechanism of the veto power has weakened the position of the UN, Mokhber said on Saturday, adding that if such a power had not existed, many Palestinian women and children would have not been killed because of Security Council resolutions vetoed by the United States.

The Iranian VP made the comments as he met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Uganda’s capital Kampala on the sidelines of the 19th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Mokhber and Guterres discussed key regional issues including the Gaza war, with both expressing sadness over crimes being committed against Palestinians in the besieged territory.

Guterres said that Iran should act as one of the main pillars of what he called a new Middle East where the country should play an active role in promoting peace.

On the sidelines of the NAM summit, Mokhber also met with South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor.

The Iranian official hailed South Africa for supporting the people of Gaza as well as its move to refer the Israeli genocide to the International Court of Justice.

The top South African diplomat said that her country remains determined to support the Palestinian nation and will do all it can to make the Palestinians’ voices heard in the world.

The two officials discussed relations between Iran and South Africa as well.

The Iranian VP also held talks with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Kampala.

One of the main topics of their talks was Chabahar, a key port in southeastern Iran, which is also part of the International North-South Transport Corridor, known as INSTC.

Mokhber described Chabahar as a strategic location, which can bring numerous benefits for both Iran and India thanks to being part of one of the world’s biggest corridors.

The Indian foreign minister also said that Chabahar does not serve as a port only; it is a main point in one of the most important global corridors, and is also of paramount importance for Russia and Central Asia.

The two officials meanwhile discussed using local currencies in bilateral trade and stressed the importance of making a long-term strategic plan for mutual cooperation.

MP/IRN