Saudi Foreign Minister: Iran Breaks Charter of Organization of Islamic Cooperation

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held today in Jeddah, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir said attacks on the Saudi embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad showcase Iran's aggressive policies and continued incitement of sectarianism in the region.

"Iran is a member state which does not respect the Charter of our organization and its principles derived from our Islamic religion," said Minister Al-Jubeir.

Minister Al-Jubeir said the attacks were widely condemned by countries around the world, as well as regional and international organizations, including the UN Security Council, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Arab League.

"It is important to note that attacks on the Kingdom's diplomatic mission comes within the framework of the aggressive policies of the government of Iran and its continued interference in the internal affairs of the countries of the region," said Minister Al-Jubeir. He added that Iran seeks to spread sedition, unrest and chaos as well as incite sectarian strife in the region, stressing that Iran is the main reason of instability and wars in the region.

Minister Al-Jubeir concluded that the Kingdom has always called for building better relations with Iran based on the principals of good neighborliness, mutual respect and non-interference in the countries' affairs. He concluded that instead, Iran responds with statements that run contrary to its real actions on the ground.

In a communique issued following the meeting, the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC condemned the Iranian aggressions against Saudi Arabia, and affirmed that these aggressions counter the OIC and the Charter of the United Nations, which call for promoting trust and fostering friendly relations and mutual respect among member states.

The Council also denounced Iran's interference in the internal affairs of the region and other OIC member states, including Bahrain, Yemen, Syria and Somalia, and its continued support for terrorism.  

SOURCE Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Information Office