Iran urges reforms at United Nations

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Tuesday called on the United Nations to undertake reforms to reflect the “growing role of developing countries”.

“To continue its presence in the international political and economic scene, the United Nations needs to undertake fundamental reforms,” said Araqchi, the ISNA news agency reported.

He was speaking at a ceremony in Tehran to mark the 68th anniversary of when the U.N. charter went into effect, attended by U.N. Development Programme (UNDP) administrator Helen Clark.

“These reforms must reflect the change in global order, particularly the growing role of developing countries, the right of nations to determine their own fates and to allow (nations) to enjoy new technologies,” said Araqchi, whose country holds the presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Araqchi led negotiations last week in Geneva with world powers over Iran's controversial nuclear ambitions, which have led to several rounds of U.N. and international sanctions damaging Iran's economy.

Western governments suspect Iran is building a nuclear military capability, a claim vehemently denied by Tehran which rejects the sanctions regime targeting its vital oil income.

“These illegal, inhumane and oppressive sanctions target Iranian citizens ... as well as the country's developing programmes in health, education and its fight against poverty,” said Araqchi.

“Imposing such unfair sanctions against developing countries is not only contrary to the U.N. charter, but also exposes a serious threat to world peace and security,” he said.