Spokesperson: Iran ready for nuclear program expansion with other friendly countries

Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb. 7 / Trend S.Isayev, T. Jafarov/ Regarding its nuclear program, Iran is ready for expansion with other friendly countries, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ramin Mehmanparast said live at the press conference this morning in Tehran, IRINN TV channel reported. "Countries that wish to work with Iran can always depend on strong co-operation," Mehmanparast added. "We believe it is our right to develop the peaceful program, which falls under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty". Speaking about the sanctions imposed on the country, Mehmanparast repeated the words of Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, saying that the sanctions make the country move forward. "With presidential elections coming up in the U.S., Barack Obama expanded sanctions on Iran, which however, will not have any effect," Mehmanparast said. "Iranian nation cannot be stopped by sanctions, this is a wrong way to treat our people, who have the rights that have to be respected." Touching upon the Iranian pilgrims kidnapped in Syria, Mehmanparast noted that this gesture is definitely a provocation, to boost the uprising in the country. He added, that everything is being done for quickest release of those remaining in captivity. Yesterday Today's Zaman reported that Syria's Free Syrian Army (FSA) has said Turkey mediated the release of 11 kidnapped Iranians, expressing gratitude to Turkey for its help and support for the rebel army. Gunmen kidnapped 11 Iranian pilgrims heading to the Syrian capital by road from Turkey last Wednesday. The group of 35 pilgrims were on a bus outside the central city of Hama when armed men ambushed it. Five Iranian technicians were also kidnapped in the Syrian city of Homs in December and Tehran demanded their immediate release. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az