Friends should not bow to West's pressures: Iran

Dubai, Mar 01: Referring to Iran's right to use nuclear technology for civilian purposes, Tehran has told New Delhi that friendly countries should not bow to West's 'double standards' and 'illogical' demands.

Chairman of the powerful Expediency Council Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said to accomplish the Islamic Republic's 'natural rights' it expected its neighbours and friendly countries not to bow in the face of Western pressures.

Stating that the Indo-Iran energy ties were significant, he told Indian Ambassador Manbir Singh that the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project, besides its economic advantages for the three countries, could turn into a regional peace pipeline and pave the way for economic developments in the region.

During his meeting with Mr Singh yesterday, the Iranian leader pointed to the deep cultural and historical ties between the two countries and said bilateral ties could be promoted in oil, gas and transportation fields, Tehran Times reported.

The Ambassador said India acknowledged Iran's right to nuclear technology and pointed out that the issue should be resolved through talks, patience and more flexibility.

"India is in need of energy in order to achieve economic progress, and also hopeful that the gas pipeline project would be implemented as soon as possible", Mr Singh said.

UNI

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