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Poland welcomes Iran assistance to Iraq security, stability

IRNA

Tehran, Aug 31, IRNA -- Polish Defense Minister Jerzy Szmajdzinski on 
Sunday held talks with Secretary of Supreme National Security Council 
(SNSC) Hassan Rowhani on Tehran-Warsaw cooperation over Iraq. 
Rowhani welcomed the growing ties between Tehran and Warsaw. 
"From the beginning Iran opposed the occupation of Iraq, as is today, 
Iran believes that what the occupiers are doing in the country is 
against all international norms," he said. 
The US does not have the right to sell Iraqi oil or decide on its 
reconstruction path. The US as an occupying power has clear 
international obligations, it does not abide by them, "notably on 
Iraqi security," he said. 
"Despite Iran`s categorical opposition to the occupation, we are 
ready to cooperate on such issues as stability and security of Iraq, 
legal visit of pilgrims and traders, respect for governing rights to 
the legitimate Iraqi representatives, and speedy withdrawal of the 
occupying forces," he said. 
Rowhani also lamented the activities of terrorist groups in Iraq 
and "American cooperation with these groups which is against all the 
international norms." 
We are keen on reaching a consensus with the Polish government 
which is responsible for the security of the central part of Iraq on 
legal movement of individuals across the border. 
On martyrdom of Iraqi religious leader Ayatollah Mohammad Baqer 
Hakim and 125 Iraqi civilians, he said "We can confirm the deep anger 
of the people of southern Iraq." 
Ayatollah Hakim was in favor of the people to assume the security 
of the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, "but the Americans rejected 
this." 
Unfortunately the American administrator of Iraq Paul Bremer did 
not even appear in front of camera to apologize to the people, Rowhani
said adding Poland begins its mission at a difficult time." 
He alluded to the need for all the groups active in Iraq to come 
under the umbrella of a strong United Nations. 
The Polish defense minister referred to "Iran`s growing influence 
in the regional developments." and said that presence of Polish forces
in Iraq highlights Warsaw`s ties with Tehran. 
He further condemned the assignation of Ayatollah Hakim as a step 
to destabilize Iraq and Iran`s security. "We convey our condolences to
Iraqi and Iranian people on the tragedy." 
The participation of Polish forces along with 20 other nations in 
Iraq is not an occupation, he said. Polish forces would embark on 
humanitarian activities, cooperation with religious, and ethnic 
leaders as well as with neighboring states. 
Iran-Poland cooperation can be beneficial in many aspects 
including visits by pilgrims and border people, and in various other 
areas. 
Poland is interested in Iran assistance to stability and security 
of Iraq and "He has officially conveyed such matters to President 
Mohammad Khatami," he said. 
The Polish position in Iraq depends to a large degree on Iran`s 
assistance, Szmajdzinski said adding "Poland will officially take over
its mission form American forces in three days." 
Polish Minister of Defense arrived in Tehran on Saturday night to 
discuss with Iranian officials various issues of mutual interest, and 
grounds for bolstering of bilateral ties in the field of defense and 
security cooperation. 
NB/215 
End