“The Islamic Republic of Iran’s affinity for human rights is rooted in its Islamic and cultural principles and we don’t accept the West-imposed human rights (principles) which want to change our way of life (lifestyle),” Larijani said in a meeting with a visiting Irish delegation in Tehran on Tuesday.
He underlined Tehran’s deep respect for human rights, and said, “We have extensive plans in area of human rights and establishment of Iran’s Human Rights Council with such a structure and extent shows its importance for the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
In relevant remarks in December, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham underlined that Iran expects a completely different and new approach from the western countries with regard to human rights issues.
“As regards the human rights issues we demand a new and different approach by the West,” Afkham said, addressing a weekly press conference in Tehran.
She stressed that if the western countries adopt a constructive approach and far from politicization, there will be the possibility of cooperation in different areas, including human rights.
The foreign ministry spokeswoman underlined that Iran has clear stances on human rights issues, and said, “We have laid emphasis on avoiding politicization of human rights debates and rejected the (West's) double-standard approach in our talks with different European officials in the past and the present."
