Supreme Leader strongly supports Iran`s signing NPT protocol
IRNA
Tehran, Nov 2, IRNA -- The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei here Sunday evening strongly supported Iran`s recent decision to sign the additional protocol of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), stressing that Iran would fiercely stand against any attempt to challenge its peaceful nuclear program. "What happened was an appropriate measure and it was a prudent step to thwart the plots of the US and the Zionists," Ayatollah Khamenei told a meeting of the country`s high-ranking officials. However, the supreme leader stressed, Iran will not hesitate in stopping cooperation with Europeans or global power centers if it is proved that they are pursuing excessive aspirations. "If those who have entered talks with us ... ever try to exercise caprice toward us, and take only one step at a time in approaching us, everything will be ruined," he said. "Once we reach a point where we feel that Iran`s national interests and the values of the system are threatened, we will definitely stop this process (of nuclear cooperation)". The French, German and British foreign ministers arrived in Tehran on October 20 in a lightning visit at Iran`s invitation to provide the Islamic Republic with consultations over signing the additional protocol to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The visit by the European ministers followed demands by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran signs up to the NPT protocol that envisions snap inspections of its nuclear sites. The Secretary of Iran`s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), Hassan Rowhani, announced later in the day that Iran was determined to take necessary measures for joining the protocol until November 20. Ayatollah Khamenei described as "significant" Iran`s achievements in the area of nuclear technology, stressing that no official or any state institution should ever overlook this "great success" of the Iranian nation. "If anyone ever tries to challenge the Islamic Republic regarding its peaceful nuclear energy program, or tries to interfere in our domestic affairs, he will be definitely slapped on the mouth as the Islamic Republic will never back off even one step toward this issue," he said. The Supreme Leader recalled the continuation of Iran`s dialogues with European states, stressing that Iran would continue talks with those states as long as they do not demand too much. Ayatollah Khamenei further rejected speculations that Iran`s signing the NPT protocol should be interpreted as surrender, stressing that the announcement to sign the protocol was a political and diplomatic measure. He also rejected the mentality that advocates passiveness toward the enemies. "The enemies of the Islamic Republic should never cherish this idle thought that the Islamic Republic is in a serious predicament," Ayatollah Khamenei said. "This is because in continuing the path that we have just taken up, we will definitely stop wherever we feel that the interests of the country and the values of the establishment may be jeopardized." Ayatollah Khamenei further thanked President Mohammad Khatami for his struggles to resolve the problem of the NPT protocol, stressing that nothing has been done against the principles of the country. "I will stop anything against the regulations and orientations of the system and the goals of the Revolution," he said. The Supreme Leader further stressed that Iran`s signing the NPT protocol must run its due constitutional course, adding that the ajlis (Iran`s Parliament) and the supervising Guardian Council (GC) must approve the measure. "What the government does is only an introduction, and the final decision on the additional protocol, according to the law, will be made by the Majlis," he said. "Moreover, the GC, will have to check its compatibility with the Islamic Sharia law and the Constitution as with any other agreement." AA/210 End
