Iran, Poland to Defy Terrorism
A report released by the Interior Ministry's public relations department quoting the Polish minister stressed that holding talks on latest political developments is the best way for bringing to light the present regional condition.
Referring to Poland's imminent assignment as the commander of multinational forces in southeastern Iraq bordering southern Iran, he stressed the significance of being briefed on the outlooks of Iran, IRNA reported.
Lamenting the recent terrorist act in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf and martyrdom of the head of Supreme Assembly of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SAIRI) Ayatollah Mohammad Baqer Hakim, he hoped for establishment of the desired security in the region through respect for Iraqis' religious beliefs.
Szmajdzinski lauded Iran's positive role in promotion of security in the region.
For his part, Lari referring to Iran's foreign policy based on detente and cooperation with world states opposed to regional expansionism said that Iran enjoys good relations with all European countries and has even signed mutual comprehensive agreements.
"Therefore, given Poland's interest in broadening bilateral ties, we are willing to ink a mutual security agreement," he added.
Referring to Poland's difficult position and commitment in Iraq, he told Szmajdzinski that his country should avoid providing an impression similar to that of the U.S., given the American stance and slogans are dismissed in the region.
He added that the general opinion in the region is that the U.S. anti-terrorist claims are merely baseless slogans.
The official hoped that the world determination to campaign terrorism and state terrorism in the region will contribute to elimination of all types of terrorism in the world.
Concerning establishment of Polish forces across the borders of Iran, Mousavi Lari reiterated Iran's special sensitivity to the security of its borders, in particular to illegal border-crossing and smuggling of banned goods.
"That's why we expect legal and official regulations to prevail border crossing," he added.
Lari stressed the need for fulfillment of the commitments undertaken by Poland to facilitate pilgrimage to the sacred places in Iraq.
The Polish minister arrived here Saturday night to hold talks with Iranian officials on issues of mutual interest.
Ways to reduce tension in the Middle East region as well as cooperation of various countries in the establishment of regional and international security are also among the topics on the agenda.
Iran's Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani said here Sunday that expansion of relations between Iran and Poland stem from the political will of their leaders.
Shamkhani made the remark during the first round of talks with his Polish counterpart Jerzy Szmajdzinski who is currently here at the head of a military-security delegation.
"Formation of a complicated security situation at regional and international levels prepares suitable grounds for expansion of bilateral talks in various political, defense and security fields," Shamkhani said.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran has an effective role in the complicated developments of the region due to its geopolitical location, social power originating from religious democracy, growing economy and powerful armed forces," he added.
Pointing to the impact of Iraq's developments on security of Iran, he said establishment of a democratic system of government based on the nation's vote is the best choice for Iraq's political and ruling structure.
"Iran which has paid the highest price to defend the right of the defenseless Iraqi people, has always stressed the need to safeguard territorial sovereignty, stability and security of Iraq within the framework of an independent government representing all ethnic and religious groups," the Iranian minister said.
Shamkhani deplored the increasing insecurity and terrorist acts in Iraq and emphasized the responsibility of coalition forces in restoration of peace in that country.
"Double standard policies toward terrorist groups particularly Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) is among major reasons behind mounting insecurity in Iraq," he said.
Szmajdzinski, for his part, pointed to various political, economic and security commonalties between Tehran and Warsaw and said expansion of bilateral ties would serve mutual interests.
He added that promotion of ties with Iran is on the top agenda of Poland's foreign policy.
He underlined Iran's effective role in regional developments and said common understanding among ethnic and religious leaders and influential regional and international powers in Iraq is the most important factor for establishment of stability and sustainable security which would pave suitable grounds for transmission of power to the Iraqi people's representatives.
The Polish minister noted that the United Nations' active role and respect for culture and religion of the Iraqi nation are among other factors effective in reducing tension and restoring stability in that country.
He expressed the Polish government's deep regret over the martyrdom of the head of the Supreme Assembly of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SAIRI) Ayatollah Mohammad Baqer Hakim who was killed in a car bomb explosion in the Iraqi city of Najaf and expressed hope that order, security and stability would return to Iraq in the earliest possible time through effective participation of current powers in that country.
Szmajdzinski invited his Iranian counterpart to pay an official visit to Poland.
Polish Minister of Defense Jerzy Szmajdzinski arrived here Saturday night to discuss with Iranian officials various issues of mutual interest, and grounds for bolstering bilateral ties in the fields of defense and security cooperation.
He will also review in his meetings with Iranian officials possible ways to reduce tension in the Middle East region as well as cooperation of various countries in the establishment of regional and internationals.