• Military

• WMD Menu                           

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Kharrazi: Foreign troops` presence makes the region insecure

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Moscow, May 17, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi in a 
meeting with the Secretary of Russian National Security Council Igor 
Ivanov here Monday underlined that the presence of foreign troops in 
the region accounts for its insecurity. 
The meeting focused on promotion of regional security and the 
pivotal role of mutual relations between Iran and Russia to the 
effect was stressed. 
For his part, Ivanov briefed Kharrazi on Russia`s approach 
towards Iraq and Afghanistan and expressed the significance of 
exchange of views with Iran in this respect. 
"The ambiguities in Iraq should be clarified. Transfer of full 
sovereignty to the Iraqi nation and government is a key issue," he 
added. 
Turning to Iran`s constructive and positive cooperation in 
solving the crisis in Afghanistan, he expressed Moscow`s interest in 
effective cooperation with Tehran on regional developments, in 
particular those associated with Iraq. 
Referring to the measures taken by his country in Caucasus, he 
reiterated the need for close collaboration among regional 
states in the area. 
Ivanov stressed that Iran`s proposals on solving Iraqi crisis 
should be taken into consideration. 
Kharrazi said that neither Iran nor Russia could remain 
indifferent to security developments in the region. 
Briefing the Russian official on Iran`s attitude towards 
regional developments, he attributed the insecurity in the Middle 
East region to the presence of foreign forces. 
He said that a popular government should take charge of the 
affairs in the war-torn country. 
Referring to the mistreatment and humiliation of Iraqi people 
by the US soldiers as unforgivable, Kharrazi said that the measure 
has raised the fury of the world. 
Blaming the Middle East crisis on the US wrong policies there, he 
expressed doubt over the US claim to mediate to promote peace in the 
Middle East, in view of its support for Israel. 
He condemned the occupation of Iraqi sacred cities by the US 
army and termed it as a strategic and unforgivable blunder. 
"The US full support of the racist Israeli regime encourages 
Sharon to continue its crimes," he added. 
Both officials reiterated the need for sustained cooperation and 
further exchange of views between the two states on Caucasus, the 
Middle East, Afghanistan and the Central Asia. 
Kharrazi and Ivanov also called for serious campaign against 
drug-smuggling and promotion of regional security. 
They also reached agreement on Ivanov`s future visit to Tehran. 
MP/212