Blair refuses to rule out joining any US action against Iran
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
London, Feb 9, IRNA -- Prime Minister Tony Blair Wednesday refused to categorically rule out that he would support US President George W. Bush in any military adventurism against Iran, but said that he believed the nuclear dispute could be pursued by diplomacy. During Prime Minister`s questions, Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn asked Blair to make clear if his policy is to "seek engagement with Iran rather than joining in any American-led military attack or military threat towards Iran either in the near future or distant future." He responded in parliament by saying that the pursuit of engagement with Iran was being conducted "with France, with Germany (and) with the United States full support." But Blair told Corbyn, who opposed the Iraq war, it was also important to make clear to the Iranian government "that they cannot breach the rule of the atomic energy authority and cannot develop nuclear weapons capability." "That is the very clear wish of entire international community," he insisted, before adding that he happened to believe "that this can be pursued by diplomatic means of engagement." His mixed message followed the Prime Minister on Tuesday expressing hope that the `constructive approach` would work, while branding Iran a sponsor of terrorism. His comments, made while giving evidence to parliament`s Liaison Committee, was seen by the Scotsman newspaper Wednesday as echoing the hostile line adopted by US President George W Bush. "Tony Blair yesterday moved towards the hawkish United States position on Iran, jangling nerves among Labour MPs and peace campaigners fearful of fresh conflict in the Middle East," the daily warned. HC/1412
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