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Iran keen to promote peace and stability in Mideast: Larijani (part 8)

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Munich, Feb 11, IRNA
Germany-Iran-Larijani
"What is related to the past if there are any questions. Iran is committed to answer them, and we sent a letter to IAEA and announced that we are ready to work out a modality on the condition that Iran's case returns to the IAEA. In other words we have commitments in this part and we are responsible to them.

"But with regards to what is related to the present, not only nuclear activities of Iran are under the supervision of IAEA and their inspections are going on, but also Mr. ElBaradei and European know that the current situation of Iran is continuing with the supervision of IAEA and is in the framework of NPT and safeguards.

"The main concerns of those who talk with me is related to the future. Some of them frankly said that they could not accept that even Iran reaches to peaceful nuclear knowledge, because they are concerned about future wrongdoings.

"These comments are surprising. These kinds of justifications cannot be found in international laws, that before committing crime some are looking for punishment. But at the same time in response to the incentive package and also in our negotiations with Mr. Solana we said that we are ready to have all of our nuclear activities in a consortium so that others can participate in our activities and as the result we build confidence. Despite the fact that according to the international arrangements we are not oblige to do so, but to prove our good intention we are ready to do so. What is wrong with this logic? Does the attitude of the other side not create suspicion that either we should act like Israel and have atomic bomb and not accept NPT, or if we act in the framework of IAEA and NPT they are not going to consider rights for us?

"Repeatedly we announced frankly that in Iran's National Security Doctrine there are no rooms for atomic and chemical weapons and we consider them against the Islamic laws. Supreme Leader of Iran in this connection released a decree that mass destruction weapons are prohibited religiously. Besides, we know that Iran's action in this way will trigger atomic arm race in the region which as a result will endanger the peace and stability of the region and the world.

Therefore we support the idea of a Middle East free from weapons of mass destruction.

"The main problem is as simple as that but the use of political ploys can further complicate it, which basically can have harmful impact in the region. We believe in a solution through negotiation and dialogue.

"If other side is determined in doing, I am sure within a few months all issues will be finalized and the way will be paved for long-term cooperation both in regional aspect and energy. But the irrational preconditions such as suspension of uranium enrichment set for the resumption of negotiations are standing practically as an obstacle in the way of the settlement of this issue.

"Now it has been almost eight months that such preconditions have inhibited the settlement of this issue. Now the question arises that if three out of these eight months had been spent on negotiations what possible damages could have occurred? And now that this has not happened what achievement has been made? In answer to this question, one may say that a resolution has been issued against Iran and this country has been brought under pressure. Was the original intention of this process anything other than finding a solution to this problem? So, one can see that this misguided approach has not solved the problem and has been originally launched with some other motives.

"I do hope that the out-moded experiences of the past either with regard to this particular case and also with regard to the general issue of regional and international security will be reconsidered and we do not let the minimal short-lived achievements overshadow long- term cooperation.

"Through the paradigms elaborated upon, we can portray a more realistic prospect for regional security. And the Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to such constructive approach and views it as a rational basis for cooperation with other regional and international players, and in this regard is ready to hold a security conference in Tehran to fulfill this goal".

More than 500 top political decision-makers and experts form 40 countries attended the three-day security conference which is due to end later Sunday afternoon.

OT/1422/2321/1412