‘We're not obliged to follow U.S., E.U. sanctions'
The BRICS nations on Wednesday refused to sever their trade relations with Iran, stating that they were not obliged to follow nuclear sanctions imposed by the United States or the European Union against Tehran.
This was one of the major issues that came up for discussion during the meeting of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Trade Ministers being held in New Delhi, a day ahead of the BRICS summit. “Yes, this was discussed. All BRICS members are members of the UNSC [United Nations Security Council]. We respect U.N. resolutions but at the same time the resolution does not forbid countries to engage in trade in essential commodities and what is required for human good,” Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said during a joint press conference addressed by the BRICS Trade Ministers.
China's Trade and Commerce Minister Chen Deming said his country was not obliged to follow the domestic laws and rules of any particular country. He said the rising crude oil prices had left a negative impact on the BRICS nations as well as the global economy.
‘Pragmatic view'
Mr. Sharma said Iran was an important source of energy. “Spiralling oil prices have put stress on India's finances. Therefore, we look at things in a very pragmatic manner and remaining within the ambit of the U.N. resolution,” he said. India imports 12 per cent of its oil from Iran while China depends on the Iranian crude to the extent of 20 per cent of its requirements.
Keywords: New Delhi BRICS summit, Iran ties, Iran nuclear programme
I just hope India maintain this stand and do not succumb to the pressure
of US or other European nations.
The decision of the BRICS in relation to their policies towards the oil purchase from Iran is quite reasonable and underlined by the basic principles of the UN Charter. It is neither defiance nor the violation of any country’s sovereign rights but in reality, it is the adherence to the basic principle of the sovereign rights of the member states of the United Nations. BRICS have made it quite clear that they are not prepared to follow the command issued by the Executive of any country as it damages the very notion of their internal supremacy and external independence. Why the world should accept the pressure of the US domestic politics against Iran? Why it should follow the order of the US President as he is not legally entitled to even ask any other country to follow his footsteps? Every country has its choice to select and reject what is in its own interests and in the interests of world peace.
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