Berlin, Oct 6, IRNA - A top German expert on Iran called on western powers to take "seriously" the fatwa issued by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei banning nuclear weapons.
Talking to the head of the Berlin-based Governance Center Middle East/North Africa at the HUMBOLDT-VIADRINA School of Governance, Udo Steinbach stressed the fatwa was important and had to be taken seriously by the West.

He welcomed Iranian calls to register Ayatollah Khameneis fatwa as an official UN document, saying it would provide added credibility to Tehrans anti-nuclear weapon pledge and give it a binding character in terms of international law.

Asked about his assessment of President Hassan Rohanis trip to the UN in New York, Steinbach said the visit could potentially open up a new perspective in the quality of ties between the West and Iran.

Steinbach added the new perspective should include a political agenda, especially with regards to the next round of talks on Irans nuclear program.

The former head of the prestigious Hamburg-based Orient Instiutute stressed the need for both sides to make a compromise for a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear row.

Steinbach however made clear that the West had to make the first concrete step by easing western sanctions against Iran.

Meanwhile, the renowned German scholar voiced also cautious optimism on rapprochement efforts between Tehran and Washington, saying both sides had to make concrete steps in the right direction.

I am actually optimistic that US President Barack Obama really wants to improve ties with Iran, Steinbach was cited saying.

A common goal of Tehran and Washington should be the diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear dispute and to cooperate poltically in the international scene, including Syria, he added.

Steinbach warned also against likely moves by notably Israel but also Saudi Arabia which could ultimately torpedo American-Iranian rapprochement efforts.

He pointed out the US and Iran had in the past also missed many opportunities to normalize relations.

By IRNA

 

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