Iran shows off its global ties

TEHRAN — Iran opened a world gathering of selfdescribed, non-aligned nations Sunday with a slap at the UN Security Council and an appeal to rid the world of nuclear weapons, even as Tehran faces western suspicions that it is seeking its own A-bombs.

Iran seeks to use the weeklong gathering — capped by a two-day summit of NonAligned Movement leaders — as a showcase of its global ties and efforts to challenge the influence of the west and its allies. Among those expected to attend include UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the prime minister of India, Manmohan Singh, whose nation remains an important Iranian oil customer as Tehran battles western sanctions over its nuclear program.

The 120-nation NonAligned Movement, a holdover from the Cold War’s pull between East and West, is also seen by Iran and others as an alternative forum for current world discussions.

Iran says it plans talks on a peace plan to end Syria’s civil war, but no rebel factions will attend because of Tehran’s close bonds with Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime.

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi opened the gathering by noting commitment to a previous goal from the non-aligned group, known as NAM, to remove the world’s nuclear arsenals within 13 years.

“We believe that the timetable for ultimate removal of nuclear weapons by 2025, which was proposed by NAM, will only be realized if we follow it up decisively,” he told delegates.