Comments by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan [that he has threatened his Iranian counterpart] are inaccurate and controversial, Iranian Government Spokesman Mohammad Bagher Nobakht told a press conference on Tuesday.
Mehr News Agency on December 8 published Nobakht’s remarks in the press conference and the following is the translation of part of his comments:
Nobakht further said that during a telephone conversation between the two presidents earlier this year, Erdogan complained about an article an Iranian publication had run about him and his family.
In response, President Rouhani said that in a democracy, the press can be critical of anyone, including officials, and that officials need to be more tolerant of the press.
That was all which was exchanged between the two presidents, Nobakht said, adding that the conversation has been recorded and there is no truth to claims that the Turkish president has threatened President Rouhani.
Allegations that the Iranian president was threated came despite the fact that Foreign Minister Zarif had earlier warned a more powerful official not to threaten an Iranian, Nobakht said, adding that there have been no threats.
The question is what kind of advice Mr. Erdogan’s aides offer to the Turkish president, the Iranian government spokesman said. “Turkey has problems with Iraq, Syria and Russia and wants to add Iran to the list of countries with which it has problem. This is a blame game bound to add to the problems of the Turkish government.”
“Iran is happy to see that the great nation of Turkey has embraced an Islamist party and its Muslim officials are active in administration of affairs. Emergence of such governments should result in better ties with neighboring countries and in the display of Islamic peace and friendship.”
Where are the advisors of the Turkish government leading this country? Nobakht asked. “Today Turkey stands accused of supporting Daesh. Given that Daesh is an abhorrent anti-Islamic entity, that is no small charge. The esteemed government of Turkey has a long way ahead and we expect Turkish government advisors to dish out better advice.
