Sidebar

Exclusive Reports

28
Thu, Mar

Middle East & Asia News
Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times

Shortly after admitting that it's military shot down Ukrainian passenger airline with 176 onboard due to human error, Iranian president Hassan Rouhani has blamed the United States for the mishap. In a lengthy statement, Hassan Rouhani described the incident as a “terrible catastrophe,” which resulted from an attempt to protect the country against the United States forces.


The statement reads in part, “Noble people of Iran. With the utmost regret and sorrow, hours ago I was informed of the outcome of the General Staff of the Armed Forces’ investigation into the Ukrainian passenger plane crash.


“In the atmosphere of threats and intimidation by the aggressive American regime against the Iranian nation after the martyrdom of General Qasem Soleimani, and in order to defend ourselves against possible attacks by the American Army, the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran were on full alert, which unfortunately led to this terrible catastrophe taking the lives of dozens of innocent people because of human error and mistaken shooting.


“The Islamic Republic of Iran is deeply sorry by this disastrous mistake, and I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this tragic incident on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and instruct all related organs to take all necessary measures to compensate and sympathise with the bereaved families.


“I also express my deep condolences and sympathy of the Iranian government to the nations, governments and families of non-Iranian victims.


“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be in full consular cooperation to identify and return the bodies of victims to their families.


“This painful accident is not something that can be easily overlooked. Further investigation is needed to identify all the causes and roots of this tragedy and prosecute the perpetrators of this unforgivable mistake and inform the honourable people of Iran and the families of the victims about it.


“It is also necessary to adopt the required arrangements and measures to address the weaknesses of the country’s defence systems to make sure such a disaster is never repeated.


“Again, I extend my condolences to the families of the victims of this painful accident, praying for those who lost their lives and wishing their bereaved families patience and rewards.”

BLOG COMMENTS POWERED BY DISQUS