Powell: US Has No Intention of Invading Iran
VOA News
22 Jun 2003, 20:13 UTC
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell says the United States has no intention of invading Iran.
Mr. Powell says it is "absolutely wrong" to believe that the United States is preparing an aggressive action against Iran. But he did repeat U.S. accusations that Iran supports terrorist groups, is developing nuclear weapons and has attempted to interfere in post-war Iraq.
Mr. Powell added that the United States encourages the Iranian protests against the country's Islamic clerical regime. He says people should be able to speak freely and express their concerns. But he says Washington is not backing the demonstrations as a way of fomenting trouble.
Mr. Powell spoke in Jordan at a special meeting of the World Economic Forum.
Earlier Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he will not allow international concerns over Iran's nuclear program to undermine Russia's commercial interests in the country.
Mr. Putin said Moscow has some serious questions about Iran's nuclear program, but considers Iran a traditional partner with whom it has developed international cooperation.
Some information for this report provided by Reuters and AFP.
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