Iranian Delegation Led by Qalibaf Arrives in Switzerland
WANA (Jun 21) – An Iranian delegation, headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, arrived in Switzerland on Saturday evening (local time) to follow up on the implementation of commitments made by the opposing party under the Islamabad memorandum of understanding (MoU).
The Iranian delegation is scheduled to address the specific execution of commitments outlined in the Iran-US understanding during the upcoming talks.
Prior to the delegation’s departure, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that the trip does not signify the launch of the second phase of negotiations for a final agreement. Instead, he stated that the primary objective is to demand that the other party fulfill its obligations.
Baghaei noted that the true test of any understanding or agreement comes during its implementation stage, adding that given past experiences with the other party’s breaches of faith, Iran must demand compliance firmly and seriously during the execution phase.
He further explained that starting negotiations for a final agreement is contingent upon the execution of the commitments specified in Clauses 1, 4, 5, 10, and 11 of the MoU. To date, the Islamic Republic of Iran has not witnessed the full implementation of these obligations, Baghaei added.
Pointing to the ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon, the spokesperson stated that the United States was obligated to compel the regime to halt hostilities but has failed to do so. He described this situation as a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement.
The high-level Iranian delegation traveling to Switzerland includes Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Deputy for International Affairs of the Supreme National Security Council Secretariat Ali Bagheri Kani, Governor of the Central Bank Abdolnaser Hemmati, Deputy Oil Minister and CEO of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) Hamid Bovard, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi, and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei.
The Islamabad memorandum of understanding was previously signed electronically by the presidents of Iran and the United States. Tehran has reiterated that its implementation will be strictly based on the principle of “commitment for commitment.”
Upon arriving in the Swiss city of Zurich, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the head of the “Minab 168” negotiating delegation, stated that he considers the oppressed children of Minab and all the “martyrs” of dear Iran to be watching their actions and behavior at every moment. He added that they see the delegation and hold expectations for them.
Qalibaf expressed his hope that he would not fail the oppressed martyrs and the Iranian nation, and that he would return with honor to join his comrades, whom he noted he is eagerly counting down the moments to see.
