Annan calls for definitive agreement on Iran

Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has called for a final settlement on the issue of Iran's nuclear program, Iranian daily Kayhan International reported on Tuesday.

Annan urged Teheran and world powers to seize the moment and build on the nuclear deal clinched in Geneva in November, according to the news report.

He also hailed Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's proposal of a "World Against Violence and Extremism" and said that the proposal was endorsed by the United Nations last year.

Press TV quoted Annan as saying that peace and stability are prerequisites for durable development.

"There can be no long-term development without peace and stability, and there can be no long-term stability without development, and both have to be rooted in rule of law and respect for human rights," Annan said.

'Three pillars'

"Strong democratic and healthy societies are built on three pillars: first is peace and stability; second development; and finally rule of law and respect for human rights," he said, adding that everyone is duty-bound to promote peace in the world and must unite to resolve problems.

Annan now serves as the chairman of the Elders organization, a group of former global leaders. He arrived in Teheran on Sunday along with former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari, who is also a member of the organization, Press TV reported.

The group's main aims in Iran are to meet with senior Iranian officials and "hear from a range of opinion about current developments, in particular those affecting this region," Annan said on Monday.

Iran plays a crucial role in guaranteeing stability in the region, Annan said, adding, "If we are going to have peace and stability in the Middle East, it is essential that Iran plays its natural role in the region."

In addition, Iran's Expediency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani described the achievement of a world without violence as a humanitarian duty, calling on the internationally renowned and reputable figures to realize their potentials and help contain violence in the world, according to Press TV.

"Efforts aimed at institutionalizing peace in a world gripped by regional conflicts are praiseworthy and upright," Rafsanjani said in a meeting with Annan in Teheran on Monday.

For his part, Annan further underlined Iran's efforts toward creating peace in the Middle East.

"The visit is to encourage and advance the new spirit of openness and dialogue between Iran and the international community, and to explore what could be done to enhance cooperation on regional issues," according to Press TV.

(China Daily 01/29/2014 page12)