Zambia: Former Diplomat Calls on West to Engage Iran Through IAEA · Global Voices
Gershom Ndhlovu

A Zambian veteran politician and erstwhile diplomat who once served as the country’s permanent representative at the United Nations, Vernon Mwaanga, has told a citizen radio station that the west should not be dismissive of Iran because it has become a nuclear power now.
The United States and European Union have imposed sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program designed to reduce its oil revenue, which is the country's main source of income.
Zambian veteran politician Vernon Mwaanga. Photo courtesy of Zambian Watchdog.
Mwaanga, who has held many cabinet portfolios including that of foreign affairs under the last four of the five presidents the country has had and served as ambassador to countries like the then Soviet Union in his early days, told Political Crossfire, an Internet-based radio station run by Zambians, that the West has to engage Iran either through the International Atomic Energy Agency, or the Arab League and other organisations such as the United Nations in negotiations and not confrontation.
In a January 7 interview, the former diplomat who was speaking in a telephone interview from Lusaka, Zambia, said:
The logo of Political Crossfire Internet-based radio: Freedom Statue in Lusaka, Zambia. Photo source: Political Crossfire site.
The stand (off) between Iran and the western world has always been there for years and I am sure that they will find a pacific solution to the problem. The issue of dismissing or being dismissive of Iran is not an option anymore.
The United States and European Union have imposed tougher sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program. The sanctions are designed to reduce its oil revenue, which is the country's main source of income.