G7 asks Iran to support regional security

Brussels, June 5 (IANS/EFE) The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) have called on Iran to intensify its role in supporting security in the Middle East.

"We call on Iran to play a more constructive role in supporting regional security, in particular in Syria, and to reject all acts of terrorism and terrorist groups," said a statement released on the European Union official website.

The summit of the G7, comprising the US, Japan, Italy, Britain, Canada, France and Germany, was hosted for the first time in the Belgian capital of Brussels to discuss many issues of common interest, especially Ukraine's crisis.

The G7 also called on Iran to "cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency on verification of Iran's nuclear activities and to resolve all outstanding issues, including critically, those relating to possible military dimensions".

The summit also supported the stabilisation mission being undertaken by the UN in Mali and the commitment of neighbouring countries, including Algeria, Mauritania and the Economic Community of West African States.

Regarding the Ukrainian crisis, the summit, according to the statement, stands by the Ukrainian government and people in the face of unacceptable interference in Ukraine's sovereign affairs by the Russian Federation.

"We call upon the illegal armed groups to disarm. We encourage the Ukrainian authorities to maintain a measured approach in pursuing operations to restore law and order. We fully support the substantial contribution made by the Organisation for Security Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to the de-escalation of the crisis through the Special Monitoring Mission and other OSCE instruments," noted the statement.

The summit welcomed the decision of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to approve a $17 billion programme for Ukraine, which will anchor other bilateral and multilateral assistance and loans, including around $18 billion foreseen to date from G7 partners.

Regarding the Syrian crisis, the summit strongly condemned Bashar al-Assad regime's brutality which drives a conflict that has killed more than 160,000 people and left 9.3 million in need of humanitarian assistance. It also denounced the June 3 "sham" presidential election, adding there is was future for Assad in Syria.

The summit again endorsed the Geneva Communique, which calls for a transitional governing body exercising full executive powers and agreed by mutual consent, based on a vision for a united, inclusive and democratic Syria, according to the statement.

Regarding the Middle East peace process, the summit fully supports the US's efforts to secure a negotiated two-state solution.

--IANS/EFE

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