IRNA -- UN Resident Coordinator in Iran Gary Lewis said on Saturday that Iran is a leading country in combating particle pollution, taking major steps in this regard.


Lewis made the remarks in a press conference on the eve of International Conference on Combating Sand and Dust Storms due to be held in Tehran on July 3-5.

Noting that sand and dust storms have had an effect on the whole planet Earth, he said that representatives from 30 countries that have been most affected by the crisis will attend the conference.

Iranian cities of Tehran, Ilam, Kermanshah, most largely Sistan-Balouchestan and Ahvaz have been affected by sand and dust storms, Lewis said, adding that this phenomenon will negatively affect the economy, transportation and workforce in these cities.

UN General Assembly adopted four resolutions on countering sand and dust pollution last year, to all of which Iran has played a significant role, Lewis said.

The three day conference in Tehran will focus on finding expert and technical solutions to the problem of sand and dust pollution, issuing a statement in the end calling on all world countries to contribute to solving the problem, the UN ambassador added.

He also said that the conference will issue a technical report, including proposals for the countries.

During their stay in Iran, the participants will pay visits to cities of Ahvaz and Kashan.