Tehran: Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali, has called on his Spanish counterpart, Pilar Alegra, to fulfill her key role in creating a global consensus to suspend the Israeli regime from international sports. In a letter to Alegra on Wednesday, Donyamali expressed his appreciation for Spain’s position in condemning the genocide perpetrated by the Zionist regime in Gaza.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Donyamali urged the Spanish Minister of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports to lead efforts in building a global consensus for the suspension of the regime’s sports activities. He highlighted the Spanish nation’s longstanding adherence to values such as freedom, justice, and human dignity, which are deeply rooted in its culture and national identity. Spain’s sports have long been recognized globally as a symbol of solidarity, courage, and mutual respect, playing a unique role in promoting human values.
Donyamali emphasized that the world is currently facing a serious challenge with the presence of the Zionist Regime of Israel, which he described as the biggest violator of international law in global sports arenas. He argued that this presence undermines the credibility of sport values and principles, as the Zionist regime’s actions, including occupying territories and implementing unjust policies, reveal its inhumane nature. The continuation of such a situation, he asserted, turns sports into a tool that legitimizes a system based on discrimination and apartheid.
He referenced the historic suspension of the apartheid regime of South Africa as evidence that the sports community and international society can play a crucial role in countering discriminatory measures. Donyamali called for the same level of solidarity and determination today.
As a leading European nation with a strong reputation in the European Union and the international community, Donyamali suggested that Spain could play a significant role in achieving a global consensus to suspend the Israeli regime in sports. He praised the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports of Spain for its potential to foster cooperation with other European and international sports bodies through new initiatives and collaborative frameworks.
Donyamali expressed confidence that Spain, renowned for its excellence in world sports, would reaffirm its historical commitment to justice, ethics, and respect for international human rights on the global sports stage.