Iran Envoy Criticizes Statements Attributed To Ban-Ki Moon

New York, Feb 16, IRNA – Iranˈs permanent representative to the United Nations Mohammad Khazaei, criticizing statements attributed to UN secretary general, said these statesments are contradictory to his duties. In a letter to the UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon, Khazaei expressed regret over statements attributed to him which was published in Washington Post newspaper. In his letter, Khazaei urged the UN secretary general to pay attention to statements attributed to him in Washington Post Newspaper published on February 15, 2013. Washingto Post quoted Ban-Ki Moon as saying that Iran can use nuclear talks in the framework of the UN as a cover to build nuclear bombs. Khazaei stressed that if the report is correct, it would be pity and the stance is in contradiction with his duties and international principles. He pointed out that Iran and Group 5+1 are going to start their negotiations on February 26, 2013 in Kazakhstan, so in such a sensitive situation, taking such a stance is contradictory to the spirit governing the atmosphere of negotiation, which should help both sides to progress and solve differences. So, Iran request sthe UN secretary general to maintain his neutrality, which is a normal process in the UN work. At the end of his letter, the ambassador stressed that, undoubtedly, neutrality , transparency and fairness are key points which should be observed by the UN secretariat to do its job./end