Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=07/12/01

TYPE=BACKGROUND REPORT

TITLE=IRAN POLICY

NUMBER=5-49786

BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY

DATELINE=NEW YORK

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Iran's foreign minister, Kamal Kharrazi, recently discussed his nation's political system and how his government views international relations. V-O-A Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from New York.

TEXT: In a lecture at Columbia University's School of International Affairs, Mr. Kharrazi explained Iran's system of what it calls "religious democracy," which he said is drawing interest in other Islamic countries. He said the system allows for broad diversity within an Islamic context.

/// KHARRAZI ACT ///

Religious democracy provides a competitive and thrilling arena for assertion of ideals, attitudes and different solutions in contemporary Iran. This may at times be accompanied by strong blustery weather and storms (intense disagreement and debate) that are inevitable in a climate of freedom and pluralism in a democratic country.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Kharrazi also said a religious democracy embraces national unity, but rejects ultra-nationalism that leads to a form of racism.

Listening to the Iranian Foreign Minister was Gianni Picco, a former top United Nations official, who is widely considered an expert on Iranian affairs. Mr. Picco believes Iran's religious democracy can set an example for other Islamic nations in one important way.

/// PICCO ACT ///

If we are speaking about the general suffrage for the population and non-discrimination in terms of careers and jobs and positions for men and women, then I think this (the Iran example) should be welcome as a possibility for other Islamic countries to follow suit.

/// END ACT ///

Following his discussion of Iran's political system, Mr. Kharrazi turned his attention to foreign relations. He said Iran seeks mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs. Mr. Kharrazi said Iran's relations with western Europe are steadily improving, but he expressed some disappointment that does not seem to be the case with the United States.

He said the apparent willingness of the U-S Congress to extend economic sanctions against Iran is a "negative signal." However, Mr. Kharrazi believes there is reason to hope for an improvement in relations.

/// KHARRAZI ACT ///

We are waiting for the review of the policy of the United States toward Iran, something that the (Bush) administration is still engaged in. Therefore, until we would hear something positive from the United States in terms of new policy toward Iran, we will just have to wait and see how it goes.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Picco believes Mr. Kharrazi's remarks are quite significant.

/// PICCO ACT ///

He seemed to indicate that he is prepared wait more time before passing any judgment. That, to me, was quite an interesting and constructive comment.

/// END ACT ///

Until there is a better official relationship between Teheran and Washington, Mr. Kharrazi expressed hope that increasing personal contact and cultural exchanges between Americans and Iranians will lead to better understanding. He noted that many Iranians have studied in the United States, including himself. (Signed)

NEB/UN/BA/TDW