Iran, Cuba critical of U.S. double standard policy*
Tehran Times Political Desk
HAVANA - Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast and Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Marcos Rodriguez Costa at a meeting in Havana on Thursday criticized the United States for its “double-standard” approach toward the crises which have unfolded in the Middle East and North Africa.
Mehmanparast said the West has taken contradictory approaches toward popular uprisings the Middle East and North Africa, particularly in Libya and Bahrain, Tehran Times correspondent reported from Havana.
The U.S. and its Western allies are only seeking an easy access to oil reserves and other natural resources around the world, Mehmanparast noted.
Analysts say the U.S. and other NATO members would have not joined anti-Gaddafi forces if Libya had not had oil.
“While calling themselves human rights defenders they are seeking to deprive people of their legitimate rights,” Mehmanparast explained.
The West is silent about the massacre of the people in Bahrain, but it supports demonstrations in Syria, Mehmanparast added.
The Cuban deputy foreign minister also criticized the United States and its allies for their double-standard approaches toward developments in the Arab world, particularly in Bahrain, Libya, and Syria.
Through their policies the U.S. and its allies have always helped promote terrorism in the world, Marcos Rodriguez Costa said, adding, “The U.S. is the greatest terrorist in the world.”
Marcos Rodriguez Costa also said Washington has been the greatest supporter of dictatorial regimes in North Africa and the Middle East.
Unity between independent nations
Elsewhere in his remarks, Mehmanparast called for unity among independent countries in efforts to foil the plots hatched by the hegemonic powers.
Despite the fact that Cuba and Iran are geographically too far away they should tap all their potential to strengthen economic ties, Mehmanparast proposed.
The spokesman called for cooperation in agriculture, electricity production, construction of ports, and transfer of knowledge in all fields to counter sanctions imposed on the two countries by the hegemonic powers.
Mehmanparast said, “Our great scientific and industrial progress are indications of the inefficiency of the sanctions, and the more sanctions imposed on us, the more self-sufficient we have become.”
Sincere spirit
The Cuban deputy foreign minister pointed to the sincere spirit in relations between Tehran and Havana, and stressed the need to expand relations in all arenas particularly in economy.
Marcos Rodriguez Costa appreciated Iran’s support for Cuba and voiced his country’s support for Tehran in the international arena.
Tehran and Havana share common views, concerns
Mehmanparast also held separate talks with Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Ana Tresita Gonzalez Fragarrilla on Wednesday.
In the meeting with Tresita Gonzalez Fragarrilla, Mehmanparast said Tehran and Havana share common views and concerns on various international issues and this “can lay the groundwork for strengthening bilateral relations” especially in economic areas.
Tresita Gonzalez Fragarrilla also said Cuba and Iran have common enemies and seek common goals.
She also called for expansion of relations between Tehran and Havana in all spheres, particularly in public diplomacy and media cooperation.
Developments in the Middle East and North Africa especially the Libya crisis featured in talks between Mehmanparst and Mrs. Tresita G. Fragarrilla.
Cuba has repeatedly expressed its support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.
At a UN forum in Geneva last November Iran and Cuba blasted the U.S. for its human rights record.
* Url:http://www.tehrantimes.com/Index_view.asp?code=239666
