Official says Iran`s concerns regarding IAEA protocol mainly removed
IRNA
Isfahan, Oct 20, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi said here on Monday that most of Iran`s concerns regarding the signing of IAEA`s additional protocol have been removed during recent talks with IAEA Chief Mohammad Elbaradei in Tehran. Addressing a group of university students under the topic, "Reviewing Iran`s Foreign Policy and the Challenges Ahead", he added, "We came to understanding on different issues during Mr. Elbaradei`s visit." The Foreign Ministry spokesman pointed out, "Among the issues that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Mr. Elbaradei assured us about is that the confidential files related to the national security of Iran, will remain top confidential." Regarding the signing of the IAEA additional protocol , he said, "They have declared a deadline for that purpose, as you know. If all matters of concern would be solved for us prior to that date, we would announce our stand, otherwise, the deadline will not be of any significance for us." He added, "What we care about in dealing with our decision-making is only our national interests." In reply to a question whether the probability of an Israeli air raid against Iranian nuclear research centers is a matter of serious concern or not, Asefi said, "I believe such threats are not serious, since Israel is aware that it is not the facilities and buildings that matter in such case, but the technical know how and scientific achievements, that they cannot destroy." He further elaborated, "Logically speaking, such an attack is to be ruled out, but practically, too, Israel knows well that Iran`s power will not diminish due to an attack, and therefore, such bullying are merely a part of a political and psychological campaign, unless they would truly act foolishly." In reply to a question whether Iran already has nuclear facilities he said, "We do have them, but not of the kind necessary to produce nuclear weapons and the A-bomb." Asefi said, "Their claim that spotting enriched uranium in Iran`s nuclear centers is a sign that Iran is after getting access to nuclear weapons, is a sheer lie." The Foreign ministry spokesman added, "In many cases, we have ensured our righteous stands perseveringly, and we have meanwhile achieved a popular status among the world public opinion in this campaign." Regarding the reason behind the relatively negative response to the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Ms. Shirin Ebadi inside the country at official level, Asefi said, "It goes without saying that she is one of the serious critics of the system and those who have awarded her this prize are after taking advantage of that point. All the same, we are glad that an Iranian citizen has won that prestigious award." Asked if the signing of the IAEA additional protocol will be to the benefit of the system, or to the benefit of the people, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said, "the benefits of the system and the people are the same, since our system will be meaningless minus the people." On the eventful death of the Iranian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi, Asefi said, "The government is deeply sorry over the sad issue, but even if her death is due to a premeditated attempt, it should not be considered as the system`s fault." Asefi meanwhile considered the status of the human rights in Iran as "an improving trend", arguing, "If an Iranian citizen inside the country criticizes the situation of human rights in Iran, that is worth consideration, but if a foreigner makes such claims, that is a different story, and obviously a politically motivated malicious act." He set example of many countries around Iran that do not even have constitutions yet, or have deprived women of many social activities, arguing, "Why then are they not ever accused of violating the human rights, but Iran, in which many basic liberties are observed is often criticized?" He also ruled out rumors on the presence of bin Laden`s son in Iran, or the presence of significant Taliban figures here, saying, "These are rumors coined by western media." NA/214 End
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