Saudi Massacre of Yemenis Worst Type of Terrorism: Iran Leader

“Terrorism is not defined as terror acts committed by some groups only, but massacres at the hands of certain governments, such as the Saudi attack on people in a mourning procession in Yemen which left hundreds killed and injured, is the worst type of terrorism,” Iran’s Supreme Leader said in a meeting with visiting Finnish President Sauli Niinistö in Tehran on Wednesday.
 
Saudi regime launched its aggression on neighboring Yemen late in March 2015, killing over 10,000 and injuring many more.
 
The October 8 Saudi airstrike on the funeral in Sana’a, which killed more than 140 people and was condemned by Human Rights Watch as an “apparent war crime”, was one of the deadliest during last 18 months.
 
The Leader deplored lack of serious resolve in the world to tackle this type of terrorism in Yemen.
 
“Countering terrorism needs the serious resolve of all those who have an influence within global powers,” Ayatollah Khamenei said, and called for a sincere fight against the scourge.
 
Ayatollah Khamenei also said the US and certain Western countries are not sincere in the fight against terrorism.
 
“These governments calculate all issues based on their own interests, and they do not think about eradicating the malady of terrorism in Iraq or Syria,” the Leader added.
 
Ayatollah Khamenei described Iran’s stance on resolution of the Syrian crisis as reasonable and based on supporting the nation and legitimate government of the Arab country, slamming the insistence by the US and some other governments on changing government in Syria.
 
Elsewhere, the Leader welcomed enhancement of ties between Tehran and Helsinki, stressing that the memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed between the two sides should become operational.
 
During the meeting, which was also attended by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, the Finnish president highlighted the Islamic Republic’s position in the region and its role in the fight against terrorism.
 
“Iran has done its utmost to root out terrorism and will surely continue to do so,” Niinisto said.
 
He also referred to his talks in Tehran as positive and underlined the determination of Finland’s traders to forge serious and effective cooperation with Iran. 
 
Heading a political and business delegation, Niinisto arrived in Tehran on Tuesday.
 
The two sides signed four MoUs in Tehran on Wednesday to boost bilateral cooperation.