Iran Says Senegal’s Cutting of Diplomatic Ties Not ‘Logical’
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Senegal’s decision to end diplomatic relations over concerns that the Persian Gulf state is undermining its security “has no logical justification.”
The government cut ties with Iran over arms shipments to Gambia that it says have led to the deaths of Senegalese soldiers, state-owned le Soleil said yesterday, citing Foreign Minister Madicke Niang. Gambia borders the southern Senegalese region of Casamance, where separatists are fighting for autonomy. A shipment of weapons seized in Nigeria last year was also destined for Gambia, Niang said.
In December, Senegal withdrew its ambassador from Iran, saying the arms may “deeply undermine the peace and security of the sub-region.” The envoy returned five weeks later after a visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi, who pledged as much as $200 million for economic projects.
Iran is pursuing closer relations in Africa as the U.S., the European Union and the United Nations enforce economic sanctions against the country over its nuclear program. The Iranian effort worries the U.S., where Ed Royce, the ranking Republican on the Congressional subcommittee on nuclear proliferation, warned African nations to shun Iran if they want additional aid.
“Transparent and clear discussions were held with the highest Senegalese authorities” during Salehi’s trip, according to an Iranian Foreign Ministry statement published today by the Iranian Labour News Agency. “All misunderstandings were cleared and respect for each other’s national security and both parties’ will to strengthen ties in all fields were underlined.” The conflict over weapons wasn’t mentioned in the statement.
To contact the reporter on this story: Ladane Nasseri in Beirut at lnasseri@bloomberg.net.
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Andrew J. Barden at barden@bloomberg.net.
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