Switzerland Urged to Take Active Role in Defiance of U.S. Sanctions
IRAN NEWS NATIONAL DESK
TEHRAN – President Hassan Rouhani has called on the Swiss government to play a more active role against the unlawful and inhumane sanctions that the US has imposed on Iran amid the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Speaking with the Swiss president by telephone on Tuesday, Dr Hassan Rouhani said that the Iranian people always respect the Swiss people, adding, “In today’s tough conditions that all countries are facing with coronavirus outbreak, the United States’ illegal sanctions and increasing economic pressure have made things harder for the Iranian people”.
Welcoming Switzerland’s move to set up a financial mechanism, Dr Rouhani stressed the need to make the financial mechanism more active, adding, “Creating this mechanism can be very effective in this difficult situation, and we expect this financial mechanism to become more active and Iran’s financial resources in some countries be processed through this route”.
In another part of the phone call, the President stressed the importance of saving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as an international agreement, adding, “It is imperative that the European Union, especially the three European countries, take the necessary steps to strike a balance in living up to commitments under the JCPOA, and Switzerland can help strengthen its foundation”.
Dr Rouhani also stressed the need to develop and deepen relations with Switzerland in the economic, scientific and health fields, emphasizing the sharing of experiences in the field of combatting coronavirus and added, “We are completely ready to develop and deepen economic, scientific and health relations with Switzerland and we hope that the two countries will continue their efforts for peace, stability and humanitarian actions”.
Congratulating the government and people of Iran on Eid al-Fitr, the Swiss President stressed the importance of developing relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and welcomed the sharing of the two countries ‘experiences in fighting coronavirus and the need for cooperation between the two countries’ health ministries.
Switzerland will continue its efforts to make Switzerland’s financial mechanism with Iran more active, said President Simonetta Sommaruga, adding, “Iran’s requested loan from the IMF for fighting COVID-19 can be done through this financial mechanism”.
Expressing regret over the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA, the Swiss President stressed the need to maintain the international agreement and said, “We will do our best to maintain the JCPOA and encourage other European parties to do so and fulfil their obligations”.
