Iran, South Africa talk human rights

TEHRAN, May 14 (MNA) -- Secretary General of the High Council for Human Rights Mohammad-Javad Larijani has suggested that Iran and South Africa make efforts to expand their cooperation in all areas.

Larijani, who had travelled to South Africa to discuss ways to expand cooperation on human rights between the two countries, made the remarks in a meeting with Max Sisulu, the speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa.

He also praised the South African parliament for being ready to increase cooperation with Iran on issues concerning human rights as well as judicial and economic areas.

Larijani said the observation of human rights is important for Iran and suggested that the two countries hold talks on human rights on a regular basis.

He said unfortunately certain Western countries have been using human rights issue as a tool to pressure nations that oppose their policies.

Iran strongly supports popular uprisings

Larijani also said that Iran has been strongly supporting pro-democracy movements in Middle Eastern and North African countries over the recent months.

He said Tehran believes the main reasons behind such movements are the brutality of autocrats, dependence on the U.S. and Israel, and animosity toward Islam.

He went on to say that Iran is not worried about the regional uprisings and that the Islamic Republic supports any revolution which leads to the establishment of democracy in any country.

Larijani also said an expression of spiritual support for people in their struggle for democracy must not be considered as interference in internal affairs of countries.

Sisulu, for his part, expressed his voice to expand cooperation between the two countries in judicial, legislative and human rights.