Iran's confession of hitting Ukrainian plane to lessen concerns: FM Qureshi

Dunya News

Iran's confession of hitting Ukrainian plane to lessen concerns: FM Qureshi.

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi Saturday said Iran’s confession of unintentionally shooting down a Ukrainian passenger plane is likely to reduce concerns over the matter.

The foreign minister said in his statement that the region cannot afford another war and stressed that Pakistan will continue to play its role in lessening the ongoing tensions.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi told that he is leaving for Iran on Prime Minister Imran Khan’s directions and will hold meetings with the Iranian leadership.

Conflict between Iran and the United States should be cut down and US President Donald Trump’s recent statement is a ray of hope in this regard, Qureshi said.

It is pertinent here to mention that Iran admitted that it unintentionally shot down the Ukrainian passenger plane due to human error killing all 176 people on board.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in a tweet, “Armed Forces’ internal investigation has concluded that regrettably missiles fired due to human error caused the horrific crash of the Ukrainian plane & death of 176 innocent people.

“Investigations continue to identify & prosecute this great tragedy & unforgivable mistake.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran deeply regrets this disastrous mistake.

“My thoughts and prayers go to all the mourning families. I offer my sincerest condolences.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted, “A sad day. Preliminary conclusions of internal investigation by Armed Forces:

“Human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster

“Our profound regrets, apologies and condolences to our people, to the families of all victims, and to other affected nations.”