TEHRAN/GENEVA - Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi held talks with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem (Navi) Pillay in Geneva on Tuesday.

During the meeting, Salehi criticized certain Western countries for adopting a double-standard approach toward human rights.
“Unfortunately, the Western powers are using the issue of human rights as a tool,” Salehi stated.
He also said the Islamic Republic of Iran has made the utmost efforts to promote human rights in the world and is ready to cooperate with other countries in this regard based on mutual understanding and respect.
Pillay described the participation of Salehi at the session of the UN Human Rights Council as “significant”, adding, “We would miss an important message if you did not take part at the meeting.”
On Monday, Salehi delivered a lecture at the 16th session of the UN Human Rights Council which opened on February 28 and runs until March 25.
Pillay expressed hope that Iran would continue its cooperation with UN High Commission for Human Rights.
On Tuesday, Salehi also met with Secretary General of the UN Conference on Disarmament Sergei Ordzhonikidze, Swiss Confederation President Micheline Calmy-Rey, Dutch Foreign Minister Uriel Uri Rosenthal, and Algerian Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci.
Salehi meets Russian, German, Austrian foreign ministers
The top Iranian diplomat also held separate talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Austrian Minister for European and International Affairs Michael Spindelegger, and German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle on Monday.
Commenting on the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program, Russian foreign minister said, “We have always been seeking cooperation with Iran and believe negotiation is the best way to find solution to issues.”
He added Moscow have repeatedly announced that it does not approve of unilateral sanctions against Tehran, and believe that Iran and the 5+1 group (the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China, and Germany) should take confidence-building measures.
The Austrian foreign minister told Salehi that Vienna believes the issues involving Iran must be resolved through negotiation.
The German foreign minister also said that Iranian and German officials trust each other and the two countries can promote their cooperation in the future