Iranian FM holds phone talk with UN chief on regional issues, Vienna talks

Hossein Amir Abdollahian

TEHRAN, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on Friday held a phone conversation with Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Antonio Guterres, on regional issues and Vienna nuke talks, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry's website.

Amir Abdollahian referred to the conflict in Yemen, stressing Iran's "continued approach to supporting a political solution to end the war in that country."

He called for the UN to play a greater role in Yemen and urged special attention to the humanitarian crisis and the situation of Afghan refugees.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran in the past few months has received about eight hundred thousand new refugees from Afghanistan," the foreign minister was quoted as saying.

He reiterated Iran's position in forming an inclusive government in Afghanistan, and voiced his country's readiness to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid from the international community to Afghanistan through Iran.

Regarding the ongoing talks in the Austrian capital of Vienna between Iran and the world powers to remove U.S. sanctions and the restoration of the 2015 nuclear deal, Amir Abdollahian described the process as "positive," stressing the Iranian expectation for "a good agreement as soon as possible."

He underlined what he called "lack of trust in the White House authorities," urging the need for "practical, tangible, and verifiable action by the West and the United States to prove a lasting and credible (nuclear) agreement."

For his part, Guterres appreciated the "constructive" positions of Iran on Yemen and Afghanistan, calling for "the right conditions for all Afghan citizens, especially women and children, to enjoy human rights and access to education."

He also welcomed any progress in the nuclear talks and lifting of anti-Iran sanctions, saying that the UN has always supported the efforts for a nuclear agreement and international peace.