FM spokesman: Iran to be lauded rather than being sanctioned
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Tehran, Oct 22, IRNA
Iran-Hosseini-Sanction
Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini here Sunday said that given Iran has fully complied with its commitments within the framework of NPT, it should be lauded rather than being sanctioned.
He made the remark while speaking to domestic and foreign media in his weekly briefing.
Turning to Iran's favorable confidence building measures, he said that the Iranians' general call on world countries to participate in its nuclear activities is one of such measures.
Hosseini underlined that given such attempts, rather than imposing sanctions against the country, its close cooperation in this respect should be appreciated.
In response to a question whether the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) sanctions against Iran and the reciprocal reaction of Iranians will leave its impact on the Strait of Hormuz, he said that this depends on the type of sanction.
Concerning the West's call for suspension of uranium enrichment, he said, "The request does not have a legal basis. Therefore, why should Iran accept such an illegal call?"
He said that according to NPT, its member states have some rights and duties, adding that Iran has been complying with its commitments and is therefore entitled to some rights which is denied by the West.
The Foreign Ministry spokesman said that there is no reference to suspension in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regulations.
In reply to the rumor that Iran has bribed head of Hamas Political Office in Syria, Khaled Mashal, to prevent release of the Israeli soldier detained by Hizbollah, he said that this has been dismissed by Hamas and rejected it.
About the West's call on Iran for a one-day suspension to raise hue and cry about it, he noted that the important point is Iran's resistance and its belief that holding talks is the best way to solve the nuclear issue.
Replying to a question about the whereabouts of the German and French citizens who were detained on charge of entering Iran's waterway illegally, he said that their release in the holy fasting month of Ramadan depends on the decision of Iran's Judiciary.
Asked about the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to Russia, he said that what was brought up after his trip and the remarks of Russian officials show that the tour was unsuccessful.
During the press conference, the spokesman once more called on the Iranian people to avoid visiting Iraq illegally.
He noted that most of Iranian captives in Iraq are pilgrims who entered the country illegally.
Hosseini underlined that Iranians can apply legally for pilgrimage to Iraq at Iran's Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization to avoid facing any problems.
Responding to a question about Iran's reaction to the visits of the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to the region, he said that Iranian officials follow their own policy to achieve their set goals.
About the possible resignation of the European Union Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana and its impact on the ongoing nuclear talks, he noted, "This depends on European negotiators involved in the nuclear issue. Iran is prepared to hold talks with any representative to be appointed by EU."
He referred to quotes from Iraqi President Jalal Talabani about the interference of Iran and Syria in the country's internal affairs and said, "Talabani made such a remark during his visit to the US, but denied it later in a press conference, saying that the US media had translated his words in line with their own interests." In response to another question about the scheduled meeting of the wife of the terrorist MKO group's head, Maryam Rajavi, with Belgian officials on Monday, he said that the Belgian ambassador to Tehran will be summoned to the Foreign Ministry to explain the matter.
He pointed to the fact that EU has declared MKO as a terrorist group and stated that Europe at times makes instrumental use of its members.
Hosseini underlined that this proves that their claim to campaign against terrorism is a lie.
Concerning UNSC's possible draft on Iran's nuclear issue, he said that some of the points covered by the media are unreliable, adding that there is discord on the matter among council members.
At the beginning of the session, the Foreign Ministry official referred to the joint conference of Iraqi Sunni and Shiite Ulema in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and signing of Mecca Covenant by Iraqi representatives and religious leaders as successful.
"The gathering was held at the initiative of Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and created rays of hope in the hearts of those who are concerned about Iraq's security," he added.
He said that at the meeting in Mecca, the need to end factional and sectarian violence was underlined.
Hosseini hoped that all Iraqis will coexist in peace and will manage to thwart the plots of the country's ill-wishers.
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