Rawlings Calls For End To Iran Nuclear Standoff

Ghana¹s former President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, has in a meeting with the Iranian Ambassador to Ghana called for a resolution to the nuclear standoff between Iran, Israel and other Western powers.

He also called on Iran to consider opening up its nuclear facilities to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) ³to vindicate the integrity of the Iranian nuclear project².

President Rawlings who made the call during a courtesy call on him by the Iranian Ambassador to Ghana, Mohammad Soleymani on Monday, said Iran had suffered enough in the not too distant past, especially when Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein applied chemical warfare during the Iran-Iraq war.

President Rawlings also met with the Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Rajinder Bhagat.

Ambassador Soleymani recalled the Œsignificant¹ role President Rawlings had played in consolidating the bilateral relations between Ghana and Iran as well as his contribution to democratic development in Ghana. He stated that President Rawlings¹ singular act of handing over power after his party lost elections in 2000 was a major milestone in democratic development on the continent.

President Rawlings said the relationship between Ghana and Iran goes a long way and hoped the mutual support continues for the good of both countries. He congratulated Iran for successfully conducting peaceful parliamentary elections last week. He expressed the hope that the presidential elections in two years will be held in a similar atmosphere.

The former President said Ghanaians are hoping and praying for a non-violent, free and fair election come December 2012.

Indian High Commissioner, Rajinder Bhagat told President Rawlings during their meeting that India had signed an MOU with the government of Ghana to establish a fertilizer plant in the country. He said his country was also working to invest in the sugar, housing and health industries.

The High Commissioner told the former President that India was also offering comprehensive educational scholarships to Ghanaian undergraduate students.

President Rawlings commended India for its significant developmental assistance to Ghana and called on Indian-owned companies in Ghana to explore and demonstrate corporate social responsibility by adopting and financing projects within underprivileged communities.