Iran, Russia urge foreigners not to interfere in regional affairs

Iranian and Russian officials in a meeting here on Tuesday evening called on foreign countries not to meddle in domestic affairs of Middle East and North Africa regions. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov made the request in a meeting during which they reviewed the latest regional and international developments as well as issues of mutual interest. The Russian side underliend the need for peaceful settlement of the existing crises facing several nations. Prior to the meeting, Mehmanparast held talks with his Russian counterpart Alexander Lukashevich on various issues, the regional developments in particular. Mehmanparast criticized the West's double-standard approach towards major issues such as democracy, human rights and terrorism. He further underescored the importance of expansion of Tehran-Moscow media cooperation. Mehmanparast, heading a media delegation, arrived in Moscow Sunday to review issues of mutual interest, particularly promotion of bilateral media cooperation with senior Russian officials.