TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that the Additional Protocol to the NPT will never allow unrestrained access to the countries’ infrastructures.

Zarif made the remarks during a joint press conference with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in Tehran on Monday.

According to a tentative nuclear agreement reached between Iran and major powers on April 2 in Lausanne, Tehran should accept the Additional Protocol once a final agreement is sealed.

“The Additional Protocol never allows excessive and unreasonable access to the countries’ infrastructures; rather it provides a regulated framework which is today being implemented in about 124 countries,” Zarif explained.

Zarif added the mechanism for Iran’s “voluntary” implementation of the Additional Protocol is “quite clear” once Iran and major powers (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany) agree on a final pact.

The chief diplomat and chief nuclear negotiator went on to say that “the existent regulations prevents a misuse of accesses” by the IAEA to countries’ facilities.

Moreover, based on the protocol IAEA visits to the sites are not “inspection”, rather they are “access based on clear and managed framework”, the minister explained.


He said Iran has been insisting that it is ready to provide clarity about its nuclear activities based on international law.

--------‘Sensational’ remarks about access to Iran’s facilities ------

He said these days “sensational” remarks are being made about access to Iran’s facilities by certain Western officials which are intended to “pacify” pressure groups.

Even when the protocol was raised in the 1990s it was agreed that it should not provide access to countries’ “military and even economic secrets”, he said.
 

The foreign minister also said if the U.S. shows disregard for the Lausanne agreement it would only prolong the duration of the talks before an outcome is reached.

“Excessive demands would only prolong talks and would bring no result for the side that seeks excessive demands.”


Elsewhere in his remarks, Zarif said that Iran and Hungary can expand ties in various spheres.

Commenting on the ongoing crisis in Yemen, he said there is a political solution to the situation.

He also highlighted the importance of sending humanitarian aid to Yemen.

The international community and the UN Security Council have failed to fulfill their responsibilities and condemn “brutal aggressions” against the Yemeni civilians, he stated.

The Iranian foreign minister also urged a “Yemeni-Yemeni dialogue” to end the ongoing crisis.

Elsewhere in his remarks he stated that peaceful relations with Middle Eastern countries are of top priority in Iran’s foreign policy.

Szijjarto, for his part, said that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) is a threat that should be taken seriously.

He urged that the fight against the ISIL should be stepped up.

------Hungary is important partner to Iran-------

Noting that the Hungarian foreign minister was visiting Iran after 14 years, Zarif said, “Hungary is a country with a long history in Europe and long relationship with Iran. This country is an important partner for us both in terms of relations with the European Union and also bilateral relationship.”


Zarif also said currently more than 2000 Iranians are studying in Hungary, which has provided grounds for cultural and educational cooperation.

SP