Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino-Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Zimbabwe, Amir Hossein Hosseini, has reiterated his country’s solidarity with Harare in advocating for the reform of the United Nations, stating that the organisation, in its current form, does not reflect contemporary necessities.
He made the remarks in Harare yesterday while addressing the media regarding Iran’s right to self-defence as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter.
This comes in light of the unprovoked attacks by the United States and Israel since February 28, which resulted in the deaths of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, senior military officials, and about 790 civilians, including children.
“As the Islamic Republic of Iran, we are in solidarity with countries such as Zimbabwe, urging the importance of the reform of the United Nations due to its inaction concerning many situations, especially in our region and in Africa,” he said.
“We need a stronger United Nations reform based on the necessities of this time, because this is an old organisation from several decades ago.
“We need to reform this organisation in order to make it more accountable to the situation in the world. So far, we are trying to cooperate with the organisation on several issues, including peace and security and also on Iran’s nuclear issue.”
Ambassador Hosseini said the world is not witnessing a constructive interaction with the UN so far. He also reminded everyone of the UN’s duty, as well as that of the Security Council, to take immediate action against breaches of the UN Charter and violations of international peace and security arising from overt military aggression by the US and Israel.
Amb Hosseini said Iranians have never “bowed in submission or capitulation to tyrants and foreign aggressors, and they shall not do so this time”. “The Islamic Republic of Iran, pursuant to Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, regards the full defence of its identity and existence as an inherent and legitimate right. In this regard, the armed forces and the noble people of Iran possess complete readiness to employ all their capabilities and resources to repel this aggression and the malice of the enemy,” he said.
Zimbabwe has also been actively calling for a reform of the UN, arguing that it is no longer “match fit for contemporary challenges.”
Recently, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri expressed concerns over the gross abuse of the UN Charter’s Article 2(4) and 2(7), which acknowledge the sovereignty status of states, equality, and territorial integrity.
