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Access to nuclear weapons not within Iran's defense policies: Asefi

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, March 13, IRNA

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi here Sunday said access to nuclear weapons has no place in Iran's defense policies.

Talking to domestic and foreign reporters during his weekly press conference, Asefi added the Islamic Republic has repeatedly announced that it does not seek nuclear weapons.

In response to a question on repeated claims by the Zionist regime against Iran, he noted, "The moves of the Zionist regime is not new...

The problem is that regime's expansionist policies and inhuman measures.

"The Israelis' remarks are aimed at putting a cover on the regime's crimes. The Zionist regime which itself has a vast number of nuclear weapons should not permit itself to decide for other countries.

"The world does not regard the Zionist regime's claims as serious."
Asefi also rejected any link between the upcoming presidential elections and nuclear talks and said, "Any person who becomes the president will defend the inalienable and legal rights of the Iranian nation.

"The issue of peaceful nuclear activity is among national rights of Iranians."
Meanwhile, the spokesman assessed President Mohammad Khatami's recent visit to Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Venezuela as successful, saying, "The visit took place in response to visits by the three states' presidents."
He added Iran and the three states signed over 30 documents for cooperation in various political, economic and commercial, cultural and security fields.

"The visit to these three countries created an appropriate atmosphere to discuss the latest developments in bilateral ties, promotion of cooperation as well as regional and international issues."
Asked about recent developments in Lebanon and withdrawal of Syrian forces from that country, the spokesman said, "The issue between Syria and Lebanon is related to these two countries. Iran respects the agreement reached between the two states based on understanding."
Pointing to disarmament of Lebanon's Hizbollah, he stated, "The Lebanese Hizbollah decides independently from the Islamic Republic and follows its own policies.

"It is clear Hizbollah has the right to defend itself while the Zionist regime is regarded as a threat to Lebanon and occupies certain regions. No one can deprive them from this right." 2327/1432