Bahrain encourages Iran to insist on its nuclear rights

MANAMA, Dec. 13, (MNA) -- Bahraini Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad here on Saturday called on the Islamic Republic to insist on its nuclear rights.


“We wish Iran maintain its strong position in guarding the rights of Iranian nation,” the crown price said in a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki on the sidelines of Manama’s security summit.


The Bahraini Crown Prince added, “We don’t permit the foreigners to abuse the (nuclear) issue” and sow the seeds of conflict in the region.


The United States and its allies have been trying to frighten regional Arab countries about Iran’s nuclear program. However, Iran has welcomed attempts by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council to build nuclear plants to generate electricity.


Sheikh Salman highlighted Iran’s crucial role in the Persian Gulf region. He described Iran as a country with rich culture and civilization and great economic potentials which Manama is interested to strengthen relations with.


Iranian foreign minister also put stress on the need for expanding of ties between the neighboring countries in a bid to foil Western plots.


Mottaki said certain outside powers want regional countries to be caught in conflicts and that why regional countries “should not act passively” and should reveal issues transparently.


“Persian Gulf states should make every effort to look for their own interests in the region,” Mottaki noted.


Expressing Iran’s willingness to boost ties with Manama, he called such cooperation essential for tightening security in the region.