New Delhi
29 May 2007
India on Tuesday reminded Iran to be mindful of its international
obligations while asking the international community to desist from using "military or
economic force" against that country.
Making his intervention on Iran at the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) foreign ministers's
meeting at Hamburg in Germany, Minister of External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee on
Tuesday said that progress on the issues that concern India and the world would not be
possible by the use or the threat of use of force or sanctions.
"It is only engagement which will enable us to see that Iran views following its
international obligations as being in its pragmatic self interest. 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," Mr Mukherjee said.
"Throughout history, Iran has radiated through Persian language and culture its influence
over all its neighbouring countries. In Iran, therefore, we deal with not just a political
entity but also a cultural force that takes great pride in its civilisational achievements. I
think it is worth reiterating this to ourselves when we deal with that country on difficult
issues such as security, non-proliferation, etc," he said.
Mr Mukherjee went on to add, "In our view, Iran must be engaged purposefully and
candidly -- not by demonising its social and cultural mores but by recognising their
internal dynamic even while we may not accept them for ourselves. For those of us who
inhabit the same region as Iran and are aware of the richness of its history and culture,
and the pride they take in their civilisation, it is axiomatic that threats against or
denigration of the country will not work."
Sharing his thoughts on Afghanistan, Mr Mukherjee said that the resurgence of the
Taliban has set the processes of reconstruction and stabilisation of security situation in
Afghanistan, on precarious ground. "The area of instability now covers both sides of the
Durand Line," he said. "The international community must do all that it can to prevent the
reenactment of the ghastly dance of death of the past."
"The arc of instability is spreading. The international community must stand united with
the Afghan people and reassure them that we intend to stay the course," he said. "India
on its part will do what it can. We have a large and ambitious assistance programme in
place, ranging from roads and hydroelectricity to small developmental projects,
education and training. Much more needs to be done. But developmental efforts have to
be simultaneously accompanied by action on the security front. On our part, we are
ready to work together with Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the international community
towards this end."
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