(IranMania) - Former German Minister of foreign affairs Jeschka Fischer stressed the need for further confidence-building on Iran's part, saying that in that case Europe and all permanent members of the UN Security Council would be ready to support Tehran's right to peaceful use of nuclear energy, IRNA reported.
"If such confidence-building is realized, great advantages either in terms of peaceful use of nuclear energy or in other political and economic domains would be provided for Iran. If Iran cooperates in confidence-building matter, as the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency have requested, Europe and all permanent members of the UN Security Council would be ready to support Iran's right to peaceful use of nuclear energy," said Fischer while addressing a round-table discussion in Tehran, IRNA noted.
He said that if Iran observes the principle requested by the international community and continues cooperation, no country or power on the planet would deny its legitimate right or the significance of its strategic role.
"If Iran cooperates with the international community, it will be the big winner," he added.
He went on to say that Europe has officially recognized Iran's right to peaceful use of nuclear energy, reports Trend.
"Europe has accepted Iran's right to peaceful use of nuclear energy and respects the right, but Iran's hasty construction of eavy water reactor in Arak and enrichment of uranium upto the level of 3.5 percent have worried Europe."
He said Iran's need for nuclear energy is not a problem in the eyes of European countries and the only cause for concern is confidence-building.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Fischer said that there is a fear that an Iran armed with nuclear weapons might prompt other regional states to enter into a race to acquire nuclear arms and as a result the region would turn into a warehouse of nuclear weapons and this in turn would be extremely detrimental to peace, stability and security in the Middle East region.
"Relieving such a concern would be in favor of Iran-Europe relations. Europe is ready to use all its capacity to support Iran's peaceful nuclear technology and cooperate with the country." Fischer said Iran has the capacity to play a big and outstanding role in the region and the world and assume a leading role in protecting peace, stability and security in the region.
"Iran, as a country enjoying one of the most ancient civilizations and histories in the Middle East region, deserves to be greatly respected," he said.
Referring to a UN Security Council resolution issued on Iran's ase, Fischer said it's better to prevent heightening of tension and the two sides are required to reach a mutually agreed compromise.
"If the talks start more speedily and even in several phases, the hance for reaching mutual understanding will not be missed," he added.
He said Europe wants to cooperate with Iran rather than confront it. "Iran-Europe cooperation will serve peace, stability and security in the Middle East and entire world," he added.
Shifting to Lebanon crisis, Fischer called for immediate ceasefire, urging Israel to move back to its 1967 borders.
He said establishment of a regional cooperation mechanism by countries of the region can be one of the main areas of collaboration between Iran and Europe. He suggested cooperation between Iran and Europe in the campaign against weapons of mass destruction and terrorism.
"We recognize the Iranian people's right to defend their sovereignty and independence because Iran's history is full of foreign aggressions, so, the sensitivity of the Iranian government and nation to their independence, sovereignty and security is understandable and respected."
He hailed Iran's constructive and positive role in the Afghanistan and Iraq issues, saying, "I admit that such a good will and cooperation have not been well appreciated."
He proposed Iran to accept Europe's proposal to have full-fledged political, economic, security and technological relations with the international community because in that case Iran will be provided with highest rate of guarantees for security in technological progress, economic growth and superior role in the region and the world.