IRAN OFFICIAL SAYS CAUCASUS CRISIS HAS "SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES"
Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran Network 2
Sept 18 2008
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hasan Qashqavi, was the studio
guest during Iranian state television (IRTV2) evening discussion
programme on 18 September. In the 50-minute interview, which began at
1817 gmt, Qashqavi commented on issues of national interest including
the nuclear case and Iran’s policy on the Caucusus.
Caucusus
Qashqavi commented on Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki’s recent
visits to Russia, Azerbaijan, Germany and Georgia; as well as the
visit of the Armenian foreign minister to Iran. He said that the
trips were attempts at "a search for common ground". He added that
Iran would continue discussions through diplomatic channels hoping
to contribute to stability and security in the region.
The spokesman said Iran could not remain indifferent to upheavals
in the region adding, "We view the crisis in the Caucasus as having
serious consequences".
Qashaqavi highlighted the global importance of the Caucasus to global
energy supplies "particularly to global energy transport links in
that the north-south corridor passes through the region." He added,
"In this regard the importance of European decision-makers should not
be discounted". This, he said, was the reason for Mottaki’s visit
to Germany. He added that it was "an opportunity to hold dialogue
with Germany which is the EU focal point on the CIS and Caucasus,
and has special interests there."
He attributed the crisis to "miscalculations and interference by powers
from outside the region." He added, "Sadly, these miscalculations and
interferences led to bloodshed and the destruction and devastation
infrastructure". Qashqavi dismissed speculation about a "new cold war",
but cautioned that it was not reasonable to think that quick resolution
was at hand. He said, "I think the West and Russia are drawing red
lines. As a neighbour, we are trying hard to be constructive. However,
I don’t think political tensions will decrease soon".
United Nations
Qashqavi confirmed that the Iranian president would address the 63rd
session of the United Nations General Assembly on 23 September. He
added that Ahmadinezhad would "grant interviews to journalists and
hold press conferences in order to promote the policies of the Islamic
Republic of Iran." He was optimistic that the visit would be fruitful
"in spite of ill-wishers."
Concerning Iran’s bid for a seat on the UN Security-Council, he said,
"The rules of fairness dictate that every UN member state should be
allowed a chance to serve" in the Security Council. He however said,
"It is a difficult process. We should not have high expectations. We
should not see it as a defeat if it does not happen. It is our duty
to try our best diplomatically."
IAEA report
Qashqavi said the latest International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
report was similar to earlier ones and said that it "contained a list
of 14 points that were testaments to Iran’s transparency, earnestness
and honesty".
He accused the US of continuing to put pressure on the IAEA and
dismissed what he said were "alleged studies" concerning possible
attempts by Iran to develop a nuclear warhead. He said that they were
"far-fetched allegations" and "politically motivated fabrications"
which were intended to "derail the process" of negotiations with the
IAEA. Qashqavi added that the IAEA failed to forward documentation
of these "allegations" to Iran. He added that Iran had "nevertheless
provided a 200-page response". He stressed that nuclear dialogue must
proceed within a legal framework adding that it was not to Iran’s
interest to do so otherwise.
United States
Qashqavi accused the US of "trying to discredit Iranian diplomacy." He
said, "They have approved in their Congress 450m dollars to discredit
Iran." He commented on the upcoming US presidential elections saying,
"Iran is not focusing on individuals." He added, "We are reserving
judgment" because "it is policies and actions that count most."