India against use of military threats against Iran

New Delhi, May 29 (UNI) India has expressed itself against use of sanctions or military threats to make Iran follow its nuclear and other international obligations.

''It is a country of tremendous natural and human resources and the development of these resources will make Iran a factor for regional security. The threat or the implied threat of use of military or economic force will not,'' External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said at Asia-Europe Meeting in Humburg, Germany.

He said only engagement would enable Iran view its international obligations as being in its pragmatic self interest.

''Iran must be engaged purposefully and candidly-- not by demonising its social and cultural mores but by recognising their internal dynamic.

''In Iran, we deal with not just a political entity but also a cultural force that takes great pride in its civilizational achievements.,'' he said.

These things, he added, should be taken into account while dealing with that country on difficult issues such as security and non-proliferation.

UNI