Iran has been invited to nuclear fuel cycle club
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Tehran, Dec 19, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi in response to a question in his weekly press briefing said here Sunday that as yet there are no word from responsible organs on reports of a US frigate trespassing Iran`s territorial waters. "If we get reports to the effect, then we will contemplate taking legal action," he added. Asefi said that there are efforts under way to free about 1,500 Iranian pilgrims reportedly detained in Iraq saying that accusation leveled against them concerns illegal entry. He also brushed aside US claims on Iran`s meddling in Iraqi election. It is in fact strange that the US boasts a 100,000-strong military force, has trampled on Iraqi people`s rights and perpetrated heinous torture, accuses Iran in interfering in Iraq`s internal affairs. Even Iraqi officials with different factional persuasions have rejected these allegations. Iran does not benefit from insecurity and instability in Iraq and has taken all measures to play a constructive role in that country, notably in the `Najaf` Crisis, Asefi underlined. What goes in Iraq is because of US gargantuan miscalculation in killing defenseless people. We also believe that Washington should identify the people killed in Fallujah and the US government and Defense Secretary Ronald Rumsfeld in particular shoulder grave responsibilities in the court of world opinion towards what has happened in Iraq. On participation of the Iraqi residing in Iran in the upcoming election in Iraq, he added that similar to the UN-sponsored facilities Afghanistan election for those Afghans who lived outside the country, there has been discussions for enable Iraqis to participate in the election in their country. He said that if it is true that the accounts of the former Afghan warlord `Hekmatyar` account`s have been inactivated, Iran has acted within the framework of the UN mandates authorizing closing of the accounts of individuals who have contacts with some known groups. Asefi also rejects the notions of forgiving Iraqi debt to Iran as not on the agenda saying "the damages inflicted on Iran falls into the domain of the people`s rights." On including the Al-Manar TV network in the terrorist list, he added this is indicative of another double-standard practiced by the US government, who on one hand claims adherence to multilateralism, pluralism and information dissemination and on the other confronts a network which strictly reveals the crimes perpetrated by the Zionist regime. He said the Europeans in their recent discussions with Iran have not raised the upcoming presidential elections as this is an internal matter. On a question as to whether the Europeans have called for preconditions to urge opposition to some Palestinian groups, Asefi said "Tehran does not accept preconditions and neither in Paris nor in other rounds of talks with Europeans the issue of preconditions were not raised." "We believe that the European actions in regards to the Zionist regime leaves a lot to be desired and its (EU) indifference has given Israel a green light to carry out its atrocities." The foreign ministry spokesman also praised Italy on its position in bilateral talks on nuclear issues. Asefi said that recent Egyptian accusations and pressures on Iran are not related to Tehran`s transparent and spiritual assistance to the Palestinian groups, "which are striving to restore the Palestinians people`s legitimate rights." He also concurred with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak`s assertion that any attack on Iran would be a mistakes. "Mubarak`s statement embraces reality. Not only no one has the capability of attacking Iran, such action, if taken will not solve any problems." "The Americans themselves have also said attacking Iran is not part of their plans and this seems to be is a Zionist lobby`s ploy to stir psychological mayhem," Asefi underlined. Meanwhile, European Union leaders have welcomed the agreement with Iran on the nuclear issue and are calling for further development of relationship between the 25-member European bloc and the Islamic Republic. The European Council, which brings together the heads of state or government of the EU and the president of the European Commission, after a two-day meeting in Brussels in its conclusions Friday evening confirmed that negotiations between Brussels and Tehran for a Trade and Cooperation Agreement will be resumed. The full text of the Council conclusions is as follows: The European Council welcomed the agreement reached with Iran regarding nuclear issues and future cooperation on 15 November, following negotiations with France, Germany and the UK supported by the High Representative (Javier Solana). It underlined that sustaining the full suspension of all enrichment related and reprocessing activities was essential for the continuation of the overall process. It supported further efforts with a view to reaching an agreement on long-term arrangements. The European Council confirmed its conclusions of 5 November 2004 on the resumption of the negotiations for a Trade and Cooperation Agreement after recent verification of suspension. The European Council confirmed the EU`s readiness to explore ways to further develop political and economic cooperation with Iran, following action by Iran to address other areas of concern of the EU regarding the fight against terrorism, human rights and Iran`s approach to the Middle East Peace Process. 2324/1432
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