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Khatami: Use of nuclear weapons conflicts with Islamic principles

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Aug 11, IRNA -- President Mohammad Khatami here Wednesday 
reiterated the peaceful nature of Iran`s nuclear activities and said 
that using them is against Islamic principles and the Iranian morale, 
even if such weapons are used against the country. 
Speaking to domestic and foreign reporters after the cabinet 
meeting, he said that in view of their beliefs, the Iranians are 
neither allowed nor willing to use nuclear weapons. 
"National interests and reputation as well as future development 
are interlinked with access to peaceful nuclear technology, given the 
great progress achieved in the field. 
"Meanwhile, considering Iran`s indisputable right to peaceful 
application of nuclear energy and great efforts of Iranian experts, we
shall not give up access to such technology. Neither do we have to ask
the permission of any foreign power in this respect," he added. 
The president said that Iran suspended uranium enrichment 
voluntarily and added that its suspension does not indicate Iran has 
completely given up the program. 
"Iran has not yet enriched uranium and the measures taken so far 
have been experimental. Meanwhile, Iranians from all walks of life 
call for access to peaceful nuclear technology," he added. 
Reiterating the need to have a region free of nuclear weapons, he 
said that Iran rejects possession of such weapons by regional 
countries, particularly the Zionist regime in view of its threat to 
the region. 
The chief executive underlined Iran`s cooperation with the 
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and said that just as the 
nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) bans the use of nuclear 
weapons, it urges the world powers to respect the rights of all member
states for access to peaceful nuclear technology. 
He rejected the US pressures against Iran as politically motivated
to impress other countries. 
"Even the UN nuclear watchdog has repeatedly admitted that there 
is no proof that Iran is involved in producing nuclear weapons," he 
added. 
In response to a question about the next presidential elections, 
he said that in a democratic system, the role of elections is very 
crucial. 
He urged the people from all political factions to call for their 
rights by turning up at polls in the upcoming elections. 
"In the meantime, the government should prepare proper grounds for
free voting," he added. 
Concerning the Iranian diplomat, Fereydoun Jahani, kidnapped in 
Iraq, he deplored the current situation in neighboring Iraq and said 
that the officials are doing their best to shed more light on the 
case. 
"It is not yet clear whether Jahani was kidnapped by hardline 
groups or the foreign troops occupying Iraq are responsible," he 
added. 
The president hoped that the kidnappers will soon be identified 
and Jahani will be released. 
Turning to Iran`s positive approach towards Iraq`s interim 
government, he said that provocations are being made both from the 
domestic scene and overseas to disrupt such a trend. 
"Our main objective is to promote stability and security in Iraq 
and we suffer greatly from insecurity there. That`s why we recognized 
of the Iraqi Governing Council (IGC) and took up a positive approach 
towards the interim government. 
"Iran is more concerned with Iraq`s stability and tranquility 
than any other regional country and has taken serious measures to help
it in various fields including energy and providing it with required 
funds," he added. 
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