Tehran, Feb 25, IRNA - Former French foreign minister Roland Dumas, who is visiting Tehran, stressed that establishment of democracy in the Middle East region was only a pretext for the US to interfere in the regional affairs.

Roland Dumas

He made the remark in a meeting with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Euro-American Affairs, Saeed Jalili.

On the US interference in the Mideast affairs, he said wherever the US was present, the situation became more complicated and deteriorated. He then cited Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon as clear examples of the US interference.

Dumas further praised Iran's key role and strategic position in the regional developments.

Referring to Tehran-Paris friendly and profound relations, he stressed that the two countries still enjoy amicable political, economic, and cultural cooperation.

As to the West's opposition to Iran's peaceful nuclear program, he said, "I have told my friends in France that the more pressures are exerted on Iran, the more united, more determined and more developed they will become."

On his part, Jalili, said Tehran and Paris share several commonalties in different areas.

He further stressed that Iran and France can play a crucial role in establishing regional peace and stability.