Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Sri Lanka to inaugurate a significant power and irrigation project, yet his interior minister, sought for arrest over a 1994 bombing, was notably absent from the delegation.
Accompanied by Ahmad Vahidi, accused by Argentina of orchestrating the 1994 attack on a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, Raisi's visit stirred controversy. Interpol had issued a red notice for Vahidi's arrest, prompting Argentina to request action from Pakistan and Sri Lanka, to no avail.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Raisi proceeded with the inauguration of the Iran-backed $514 million Uma Oya irrigation and hydro-electricity project in southern Sri Lanka. The project, slated for commissioning in 2014, faced extensive delays due to sanctions against Iran.
The 1994 bombing, targeting the AMIA center in Buenos Aires, remains unresolved. Suspicions linger regarding involvement by Iran-backed group Hezbollah, allegedly at the behest of Tehran. While Iran denies any involvement, top Iranian officials have been implicated in orchestrating the attack.
President Raisi's visit underscores Iran's commitment to regional partnerships and infrastructure development, despite lingering diplomatic tensions and international scrutiny.
Accompanied by Ahmad Vahidi, accused by Argentina of orchestrating the 1994 attack on a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, Raisi's visit stirred controversy. Interpol had issued a red notice for Vahidi's arrest, prompting Argentina to request action from Pakistan and Sri Lanka, to no avail.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Raisi proceeded with the inauguration of the Iran-backed $514 million Uma Oya irrigation and hydro-electricity project in southern Sri Lanka. The project, slated for commissioning in 2014, faced extensive delays due to sanctions against Iran.
The 1994 bombing, targeting the AMIA center in Buenos Aires, remains unresolved. Suspicions linger regarding involvement by Iran-backed group Hezbollah, allegedly at the behest of Tehran. While Iran denies any involvement, top Iranian officials have been implicated in orchestrating the attack.
President Raisi's visit underscores Iran's commitment to regional partnerships and infrastructure development, despite lingering diplomatic tensions and international scrutiny.
