U.S. approval of military aid to Israel "regrettable": Iranian spokesman

China

U.S. approval of military aid to Israel "regrettable": Iranian spokesman

2024-04-23 13:58 Last Updated At：04-24 19:08

Iran's retaliation against Israel complies with international law, and the United States' approval of a new military aid bill to Israel is regrettable, said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani at a weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday.

Kanaani made the remarks while commenting on Iran's massive retaliatory military operation against Israel lately, which was carried out in response to a deadly Israeli strike against the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1.

Kanaani said that after Israel attacked Iran's diplomatic institution, Iran tried to prosecute Israel within the framework of international laws and regulations. Unfortunately, due to the U.S. and some other Western countries' unconstructive intervention, the United Nations failed to fulfill its obligations. Therefore, Iran took necessary military deterrence against Israel based on its legitimate rights.

He emphasized that Israel, which is supported by Western countries, has committed many crimes in the Middle East, which is the main factor leading to regional instability. "I cannot confirm whether the conflict between Iran and Israel is over. Iran has responded legally, compliantly and in a deterrent manner to Israel's illegal aggression in violating international laws and regulations and attacking Iranian diplomatic institution. After the operation, Iran immediately announced that it had ended its military operations. But if Israel makes another mistake, Iran will make a harsher response," said the spokesman.

Kanaani said that the presence of foreign military forces will not contribute to regional peace and security, and any strengthening of militarism will complicate the regional security situation and harm the peace process.

Noting that the U.S. government's recent approval of military aid to Israel is regrettable, the spokesman stressed that the U.S. government ignored the deaths of tens of thousands of Gaza people and fully supported Israel, which should be criticized and condemned by the international community.

"Without unlimited and unconditional aid from the United States, Israel would not be able to continue its war against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank for even one day. Providing massive financial and military aid to Israel is nothing more than a reward from the U.S. government for a criminal regime," he said.

Iranian public opinion generally believes that the direct conflict and confrontation between Iran and Israel for some time has shown signs of gradually easing, but the conflict between pro-Iranian armed forces in the region and Israel has intensified.

Iran has repeatedly emphasized that the root cause of the current regional crisis lies in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Only when Israel stops its military operations in the Gaza Strip can the regional crisis be alleviated.

Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth

2024-07-27 02:52 Last Updated At：05:17

On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.

Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.

In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.

"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.

"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.

He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.

"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.