Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has warned against the repercussionsof extremism in the Middle East region following Saudi Arabias execution of a top Shia cleric.
Zarif held separate phone conversationson Sunday with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini as well as a number of foreign ministers from regional states.
Zarif reiterated Iran's condemnation of the execution on Saturdayof Sheikh Nimr Baqiral-Nimr, noting that the Shia cleric's execution was in line with divisive and pro-terrorism policies which have been ravaging the region and the world.
The Iranian foreign minister also underscored the need for coordinated regional and international initiativesto bring a halt to measuresagainst religious groups and tribalism-based policies.
Zarif also said that the Islamic Republic remains fullycommitted to safeguarding diplomatic missions it hosts.
The execution of Sheikh Nimr sparked angry protests in various countries.
On Saturday evening, Iranian police prevented angry protesters from storming the Saudi embassy in Tehran.According to reports, a number of peoplethrew incendiary devices at the buildingcausing minor damage. Police forces, deployed to keep order, dispersed the angry crowd.
Sheikh Nimr had been arrested in 2012 in the Qatif region of Saudi Arabias Shia-majority Eastern Province, which was the scene of peaceful anti-regime demonstrations at the time. He had been charged with instigating unrest and undermining the kingdoms security. Nimr had rejected the charges as baseless.
In 2014, a Saudi court sentenced the clergyman to death, provoking widespread global condemnations. Back then, the UK-based rights body Amnesty International called the sentence appalling, saying the verdict should be quashed since it was politically motivated.
By Press TV
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