An Iranian lawmaker says the withdrawal of UN cultural body UNESCO from the World Philosophy Day events in Tehran reflects its concerns about the spread of Islamic philosophy to other countries, Press TV reported.
"UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) boycotted the ceremonies under political pressure," Mohammad Javad Abtahi told IRNA on Thursday.
Iran was the first Asian country to host the conference of the International Philosophy Day on November 21-23.
However, UNESCO head Irina Bokova said in a statement that the body was disassociating itself "as the secretariat was not fully consulted on all aspects."
"The director general considers that the conditions necessary to guarantee the effective organization of a UN international conference have not been met," the statement said.
The Iranian lawmaker said UNESCO has been founded mainly to promote culture and human sciences "but the unscientific and uncultured move demonstrated that such bodies serve arrogant and colonial interests."