Pakistan opposes US sanctions on Iran
By Trend
Pakistan on Thursday opposed unilateral sanctions imposed by the US on Iran saying that it would continue to trade with Iran in own interest, IRNA reports.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal while replying
to a question at his weekly news briefing in Islamabad said that
Pakistan in principle is opposed to coercive economic sanctions
which affect the human development and add to the poverty of not
only a specific country but the entire region.
He added that sanctions limit the economic opportunities and
suffocate regional trade. “We should analyze all available options
to continue trade with Iran in our interests,” the official
noted.
“We are not in a competition with any country on our ties with
Iran,” he said.
“The US unilateral withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of
Action (JCPOA) despite Iran adherence to the agreement is
regrettable,” he noted.
The spokesperson added the JCPOA represents a good example of
negotiated settlement of a complex issue through dialogue and
diplomacy.
The JCPOA stipulates the gradual removal of the West’s sanctions
against Iran in exchange for Tehran maintaining a peaceful nature
of its nuclear program. However, US President Donald Trump
announced in May the withdrawal of the United States from the 2015
nuclear deal and the reinstating of the first round of sanctions in
August.
Dr Mohammad Faisal said that engagements with the United States
have been increased ever since the assumption of present government
in Pakistan.
About recently held talks with US special representative Zalmay
Khalilzad, the spokesperson said Pakistan conveyed to the US side
that it will take all possible steps in good faith to facilitate
the political settlement in Afghanistan.
“However, it remains a shared responsibility and the role of the
US, Afghan government and other regional players is important,” he
noted.
To a question, the spokesperson said both Pakistan and China are
open to third party investment in some CPEC projects including the
special economic zones.
He said that Pakistan has not shied away from talks with India and
is open to discuss all issues including Jammu and Kashmir and
terrorism.
The spokesperson said there are no restrictions on media in
Pakistan and the media outlets are operating freely.
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