TEHRAN, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday urged Bulgaria and Cyprus not to allow the United States to use military bases on their territories for attacks against Iran, according to ministry statements.
In a phone call with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova, Araghchi said Bulgaria's parliamentary approval of U.S. tanker aircraft deployment at Bezmer Air Base to support "aggressive operations against Iran" violates international law and friendly bilateral ties.
He cited UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, which considers making territory available for aggression against a third state as an act of aggression.
Petrova said Bulgaria has no intention of participating in war against Iran, and supports diplomacy to reduce regional tensions.
In a separate call with Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Araghchi stressed the need to prevent "abuse" of foreign bases in Cyprus for "aggression" against Iran.
Kombos said Cyprus has contacted Britain to ensure that British bases on Cypriot territory would not be used against any country.
On July 22, Bulgaria's parliament approved the deployment of up to eight U.S. KC-135 tanker aircraft at Bezmer Air Base from July 24 to Oct. 1, despite opposition from local mayors.
Cyprus hosts two British sovereign military base areas. ■
