The Hindu : Iran comes down on U.S. move

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Apr 17, 2003

International

International

Iran comes down on U.S. move

TEHERAN april 16. The Iranian President, Mohammad Khatami, said on Wednesday his country would not recognise a U.S.-installed interim administration in Iraq and would support Syria if it is attacked. It was the first time a senior official had defined Iran's already well-known stance on a post-war Iraq.

``We will not recognise any administration other than an all-Iraqi government. However, we are not seeking tension or confrontation with anybody,'' Mr. Khatami told reporters after a Cabinet meeting.

On Tuesday, the retired U.S. Gen. Jay Garner, chosen by the United States to lead the interim administration, opened a conference in Ur, Iraq, with the goal of shaping Iraq's post-war government.

``The Iraqi nation will not accept any foreign rule,'' Mr. Khatami said. ``It is in the interests of morality, civility and international law that an administration representing all Iraqi ethnic, religious groups take over in Iraq and in the long term a government is elected on the basis of one vote for each Iraqi citizen.''

In the first official Iranian comment on U.S. claims that Syria was hosting members of Saddam Hussein's regime, Mr. Khatami said the rhetoric was a `bluff' and that Iran would support Syria if attacked.

``Syria is on the front line against Zionist pressures, defending the cause of the Palestinian nation, freedom and peace in the region. We will defend Syria but it doesn't mean we will engage in military confrontation,'' he said. The U.S. administration has accused Syria of harbouring remnants of Mr. Hussein's toppled regime, supporting terrorism and possessing chemical weapons, raising fears that Syria is America's next target. Mr. Khatami said the United States must learn to respect other nations and live with them in peace.

``Their (U.S.) interests also require that they give up (bullying) methods and live with the world in peace,'' he said.

Mr. Khatami called on the United States to avoid tension with Iran.

``We have big problems with America. But we don't welcome tensions either. If we feel they are changing their behaviour, then a new situation may emerge (in our relations),'' he said. — AP

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