Recent Statements By Egypt Minister Might Be “Unofficial” – Iran Spokesman
Text of report in English by Iranian news agency IRNA website
Tehran 26 August: Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mohammad Ali Hoseyni said on Sunday [26 August] “We doubt whether recent statements made by Egypt Foreign Minister Ahmad Abu-al-Ghayt against Iran are his personal views or the official stands of Egyptian government.” Speaking to reporters at his weekly press briefing, he said, “We expect statements made about regional developments to be based on realities.”
Iran has always played a very effective and constructive role in all regional developments and crises created by extra-regional countries, he said.
On performance of Iran’s Foreign Ministry, he said striking a balance in Iran’s political and economic relations with other countries is among top priorities of Iran’s diplomacy.
Referring to the upcoming ministerial meeting of Non-Aligned Movement in Tehran from 3-5 September, he said Iran believes that every single society has its own cultural and religious values and that consolidation of cultures are of prime importance.
Respecting cultural diversity would prepare grounds for negotiations, he said.
On the third round of talks between Iran and IAEA, he said Iran from the very beginning had declared its readiness to resolve the issue through mutual talks.
He termed the trend of talks between Iran and IAEA as ‘logical’.
In response to a question as to why the US tried to play down existing cooperation and agreements between Iran and IAEA, he said this was not beyond expectations.
Trend of cooperation between Iran and IAEA is quite successful and has been welcomed by other countries, he said.
“Since the US tries to create obstacles for us, we expect other countries to abide by their independent views and never yield to US demands,” he said.
On continued cooperation with IAEA, he said, “We have always declared that Iran is ready to cooperate with the agency officials within its rules and regulations.”
On the status of five Iranian diplomats kidnapped by the US forces in Iraq, he said the US was supposed to set a date for the meeting between the Iranian diplomats and their families but it has not fixed any time yet.
Hoseyni advised the US officials to make up for their mistakes.
On holding of dialogue among Iraqi groups, he said that Iran is to use its influence in Iraq in order to urge various Iraqi groups to become united.
On current developments in Lebanon, he said Iran has always declared that it would support any idea which might help resolve the issue.
He described recent agreements on construction of peace pipeline between Iran, India and Pakistan as very ‘fruitful’.
Originally published by IRNA website, Tehran, in English 1310 26 Aug 07.
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