IRNA -- Head of the UN Environmental Program (UNEP) Erik Solheim said that although Iran still is trying to confront environmental challenges, especially dust particles and Orumiyeh Lake crisis, but it has successful function in managing the challenges.


Solheim, also UN undersecretary, told IRNA on the sidelines of visiting Orumiyeh Lake on Saturday that the issue of dust particles is the biggest problem for Iran in the field of environment and we discussed the issue with Vice-President Ebtekar.

He reiterated that the issue is the most important problem for Iranian officials who are trying to consider and remove it through UN cooperation.

'We intend to talk with Iraq and Turkey on dust particles issue and by executing plans and programs to remove the origin of dust particles,' Solheim added.

Referring to the continuation of cooperation and international monetary supports to revive Orumiyeh Lake, Solheim said that this cooperation will continue because the same problem took place for Aral and Chad Lakes, so this experience could be used to remove future problems.

Solheim added that Orumiyeh Lake's drying out could have negative and irreversible affects on people of the region and causes problems in the section of agriculture, so efforts should be followed up firmly.

He arrived in Tehran on Friday for 3-day visit.

The UN official is to negotiate with the senior Iranian officials concerning expansion of regional cooperation in the field of environment and strengthening cooperation between Iran and neighboring states in order to settle environmental problems.