WEEKLY BRIEFING BY DR. ASEFI,
FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN
IRANIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
October 16, 2005
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi said Sunday that there is no legal justification for referral of Iran`s nuclear dossier to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Speaking to domestic and foreign reporters in his weekly briefing, he added that this has also been confirmed by the Russian and Chinese officials. He noted, "During the recent visit of Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki to China, Iran`s right for access to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes was supported by the Chinese officials. The non-aligned movement (NAM) member states are of the same opinion. Iran cannot be threatened with referral to the UNSC forever, similar to `the sword of Damocles.` Hoping that things would not end up this way, for the time being such an option should not be taken into view," he added.
In response to a question about the Saudi King Abdullah`s remarks and his hope that Iran would not interfere with establishment of security in Iraq, he replied that similarly Iran hopes that the Saudis would help promote Iraq`s security and stability and would stop disrupting the process of their domestic affairs.
Concerning the remarks of the Italian Defense Minister Antonio Martino that "Iran tends to annihilate the Jews and Israel," Asefi maintained that Martino should read history, given his limited knowledge about historical events. "In fact, destruction of Jews (holocaust) has never been witnessed in the Middle East and Iran. It is rather rooted in Europe. He should avoid raising such strange charges, given that this does not suit the status of Italy`s senior officials," he added.
About the relief measures taken by Iran in the recent killer earthquake in Pakistan and the material and human loss of the Iranians residing in the country, he said that the Iranian government expressed its deepest condolence over the disaster to Pakistani people and government. "Iran`s Red Crescent Society was quite active in providing the quake victims with relief packages. A committee was formed by Iran at the quake-levelled areas by various Iranian organizations and institutions represented in Pakistan, which took charge of rescue operation," he added.
Asked about the visit of a British delegation to Iran on November 4, Asefi replied that given the present atmosphere and the concurrence of the visit with the anniversary of the occupation of US embassy in Tehran by students in 1979 the visit would apparently be postponed.
The United States has admitted that Iran has the right to use peaceful nuclear technology, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi said here Sunday. Talking to domestic and foreign reporters at his weekly press conference, Asefi was commenting on the recent remarks made by the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Iran. "Remark by Ms Rice on Iran`s right to have nuclear technology is something and confidence-building is something else. It is clear the United States has acknowledged that Iran has such rights." He rejected using unfamiliar and inventive literature saying, "Admission of Iran`s rights to use nuclear technology is hidden in remarks made by Ms Rice and people like her." Asefi added, "On building the confidence deemed by Ms Rice, it should be said that confidence will be made through implementation of the (nuclear Additional) Protocol and regulations. When we talk about confidence, such a confidence should be built on the basis of commitment to laws and regulations. The Europeans should take into consideration that confidence building is a two-way road. It is the Europeans who damaged such a confidence by refraining from fulfilling their commitments."
Referring to the visit to Iran of deputy chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and IAEA inspectors, Asefi said, "The presence in Iran of this delegation is a clear instance of Iran`s cooperation with the agency. Good progress was made during the visit."
Asked about the resumption of Iran`s nuclear talks with Europe and other states and involvement of South Africa in the negotiations, the spokesman said nuclear talks are currently underway at different levels in Tehran and in European and non-European states. "Representatives of Iran`s Foreign Ministry and Supreme National Security Council are active," he said In response to a question on suspension of nuclear activities at Isfahan`s Uranium Conversion Facility (as a precondition) to resume talks, he said, "With respect to Isfahan, suspension was carried out voluntarily, and we will not go back to the past. It was the Europeans who canceled the Paris Agreement through their unilateral and inexact interpretation," he said.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi welcomed Russia`s stance on Iran`s nuclear program. "The fact that the Russians have stressed Iran`s nuclear case should be discussed and settled at the International Atomic Energy Agency and mentioned Iran`s right, as a signatory to he Non-Proliferation Treaty, to use nuclear technology, not only indicates Russia`s good position but also is a proof of Iran`s righteousness," he said.
Talking to domestic and foreign reporters at his weekly press conference, he said, "What is going to happen in the future depends on the IAEA Board of Governors. It is clear to us that the US Administration and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will do their best to divert the case from its normal course which goes through the agency. We are well aware that the United States has put various states under pressure and hope that those countries will act independently," he said.
Shifting to involvement of South Africa in Iran`s nuclear negotiations, he added, "South Africa is among important and influential countries which has good cooperation with Iran. We will hold talks with this country like other states. We have plans to negotiate with South Africa."
Asked about recent bombings in Iran`s southwestern city of Ahvaz and remarks by police spokesman on possibility of foreigners` involvement in the bombings, the spokesman said, "Foreign Ministry has received no report in this regard. We do not speak without documents. Relevant organizations should comment on the issue after studying documents."
Asefi rejected the authenticity of Iran`s designation as a mediator between Syria and Lebanon, saying, "Such an issue is not correct. We use our potential to establish friendship between Syria and Lebanon so that the two states can have a better understanding of their stance. We will use such potential to establish convergence among Muslim countries of the region including Syria and Lebanon and strive to ensure that the two sides will have good and constructive relations."
Asked about Iran`s evaluation of Iraq referendum, the spokesman said the Iraqi nation had a massive participation in it. "The Iraqi nation`s turnout in this referendum showed the Iraqis are interested in building their future based on public participation. What is going on in Iraq is important for Iraq, Iran and the region and helps in establishing regional stability and security. We hope all a broad-based government will be established in Iraq and we will witness a secure and independent Iraq in the region," he said.