Annan calls for settlement of Iran's nuclear issue

TEHRAN - Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan called for final settlement of Iran's nuclear issue, Iran's Kayhan International daily reported on Tuesday.

Annan urged the Islamic republic and the world powers to seize the time and build on the nuclear deal clinched in Geneva in November 2013, according to the 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.

Peace, stability are prerequisites for durable development, Press TV quoted Annan as saying.

"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.

"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 the problems.

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

The group's visit to Iran is aimed at meeting with senior Iranian officials and "hear from a range of opinion about current developments in particular those affecting this region," Annan said on Monday.

The Islamic republic of Iran plays a crucial role in guaranteeing stability in the region, Annan said, adding that "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," Hashemi- Rafsanjani said in a meeting with Annan in Tehran on Monday.

For his part, Annan further underlined Iran's efforts in the establishment of tranquility in the Middle East.

The visit of the Elders 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.

The Elders' officials meetings with the Iranian authorities is also about "peaceful ways of addressing conflict and healing sectarian divisions" in the Middle East, said the report.

The Elders is an international NGO of public figures brought together by late South African leader Nelson Mandela in 2007.