Iran, Turkey, Iraq victims of terrorism: Hosseini

November 3, 2007 - 0:0

ANKARA (IRNA) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini said here Thursday that the three states of Iran, Turkey and Iraq are victims of terrorism, and the U.S. is responsible for the situation.

Hosseini made the remarks in an interview with the CNN Turk in Istanbul, and underlined the need for holding such joint meetings between Iraq's neighboring countries as well as establishing joint security committees to explore the root causes of terrorism in the region.
Underscoring the need for pursuing diplomatic means and joint cooperation in this respect, he noted that given its role, the U.S. should take responsibility for the instability in the Middle East.
The spokesman referred to the recent U.S. Senate's plan for dismembering Iraq into three sectors for Sunnis, Kurds and Shiites, saying that this is in line with the American Greater Middle East plan and to preserve its own national interests. This, he said, will bear no fruit but instability in the region.
Hosseini, visiting Istanbul to take part in the International Conference on Iraqi Security, replied a question on the possible U.S. attack on Iran that according to rational assessments and the background of the U.S. defeats in Afghanistan and Iraq, it has no more ability to attack another country like Iran, and the region cannot go through another crisis.
He addressed correspondents from different Turkish and TV channels, saying, ""However given the presence of certain war-mongering officials in the U.S. administration and its allies, we are ready to respond to any possible move.""
Touching on the fact that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly announced there is no indication of diversion in Iran's peaceful nuclear activities, he said that the U.S. and Europe are trying to monopolize the use of nuclear energy.
He dismissed any possible change in Iran's nuclear policy following the replacement of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) secretary.
Hosseini pointed to the appropriate and independent decision by the Turkish government in signing a memorandum of understanding with Tehran to transfer natural gas from Iran to the Europe, calling for more bilateral cooperation between Iran and Turkey.