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Iran, US have shared interests in Iraq, says Rafsanjani

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New York, Feb 8, Kyodo/IRNA -- Iran and the United States have a 
common enemy in the Al-Qaeda terrorist network and shared interests 
in Iraq, former Iranian president Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said 
in an interview published Monday. 
Rafsanjani, one of Iran`s most powerful leaders, said in the 
interview with `USA Today` in Tehran on Sunday that Iraq`s January 30 
national elections went "well" and that Al-Qaeda terrorists "are our 
enemies, too." 
"You are aware of what (Al-Qaeda has) done to our (fellow 
Shiites) in Iraq.: 
He described as "nonsense" statements by US President George W. 
Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Iran`s "cleric-run 
government" and human rights record. 
"We say (the United States) wouldn`t dare to attack us, and they 
have tested it once (the failed hostage rescue in 1980)," he added. 
"The United States is a big country, but unfortunately it 
seems it has the brain of a little bird not befitting the greatness 
of the country," Rafsanjani said. 
He also said Iran is not aspiring to acquire nuclear weapons. 
"We are certain that we will never use such weapons; therefore, they 
have no use for us," he said. 
Rafsanjani was Iranian president from 1989 to 1997 and is likely 
to run for president again in June. 
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