TEHRAN -- Chairman of the State Expediency Council (SEC) Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani here Sunday criticized the position of the European Union regarding Palestine, and called on the union to exercise independence on global issues.

Rafsanjani, in a meeting with Italian Ambassador to Tehran Riccardo Sessa, called on the union not to be swayed by U.S. and Zionist pressures in its stance on human rights, IRNA reported.

The SEC chairman highlighted Iran's adherence to international conventions on the non-proliferation of nuclear and chemical weapons, and stressed Iran's commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

He regretted that the Islamic Republic is still being accused of developing weapons of mass destruction by the U.S. even though global atomic agencies are scrutinizing its nuclear activities.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Rafsanjani objected to the presence of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

He stressed that stability in war-shattered Afghanistan would benefit the Islamic Republic.

Sessa, for his part, stressed growing Tehran-Rome relations, and highlighted the need to diversify cooperation in all areas.

He alluded to the 39.15 percent rise in Italy's exports to the Islamic Republic, and voiced pleasure that Tehran still remains Rome's leading trade partner.

The Italian ambassador recalled Iran's role in reinforcing peace and stability in Afghanistan, and pledged Italian support for Iran's position in solving regional and international problems.