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FM: Al-Qaeda threats against Iran has no link to Saddam`s capture

IRNA

Tehran, Dec 24, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said here 
on Wednesday that the threats of Al-Qaeda against Iran has nothing to 
do with the arrest of Saddam Hussein. 
While leaving the cabinet meeting, Kharrazi denounced the news 
disseminated by the media on the link between Saddam Hussein`s 
capture and Al-Qaeda`s anti-Iran threats. 
The official further noted that given Iran has been constantly 
threatened by the terrorists and Al-Qaeda in the past, there is 
nothing new about it. 
In response to a reporter`s question on reasons for tightening 
security arrangements at a number of foreign embassies in Iran, he 
referred to the news and reports of possible terrorist operations on 
the occasion of the New Christian Year, particularly teh reports 
released by the Americans, and said it was Iran`s responsibility to 
take added security measures at the embassies which are prone to such 
attacks. 
He noted that the steps taken are merely precautionary. 
Concerning the recent threats by the Zionist regime`s Defense 
Minister, Shaul Mofaz, against Iran, he said that Israel`s 
constant threats against Iran are mostly propaganda, adding that 
the Israelis themselves are well aware that they are not in a 
position to take military operations against Iran. 
"I believe that they are reasonable enough to avoid taking such 
a measure," he noted. 
Turning to the latest position of the German and Irish hostages, 
he said, "The ministries of information and interior as well as the 
police are investigating the case and have managed to come up with 
some traces. We hope the problem will be settled soon." 
Kharrazi pointed to the US support of Saddam`s regime during the 
war imposed by Iraq against Iran and noted that the Americans who 
supported Saddam during the anti-Iran war must provide explanations in
this respect. 
"The case must be examined if a court proceeding is arranged on 
the issue," he added. 
The official confirmed the replacement of Iran`s permanent envoy 
to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and said that given 
his four-year term has expired, Ali-Akbar Salehi has now been 
appointed as his advisor for international and nuclear affairs. 
"Iran`s Ambassador to Vienna, Pirouz Hosseini, has been 
introduced to take office as Iran`s representative to IAEA," he 
concluded. 
MP/212 
End