Since the Iranian calendar year 1380 (March 21, 2001-March 20, 2002) is coming to a close, the TEHRAN TIMES conducted interviews with some Majlis deputies, asking their opinions on last year's events. Following are some of their remarks.

On Iran's foreign policy Salim Marashi, a deputy from Roudbar, said that the Islamic Republic of Iran followed a correct foreign policy over the past year with respect to the Islamic world and Europe.

Marashi added that since the September 11 incidents, the United States and its allies have redoubled their efforts to establish a unipolar world order.

He said that the United States has been using a media onslaught to try to pin the blame for the terrorist attacks on the Islamic world and to equate Islam with violence.

He stated that Iranian officials have taken appropriate actions to prevent the United States from realizing all of its objectives.

Marashi pointed out that Iran should try to maintain good relations with European countries since they have opened up a relationship with Iran within the framework of dialogue among civilizations.

He also criticized some of the government's actions and said that officials sometimes react to events slowly, which is not acceptable.

He added that the leadership defines the system's general policies and the President is the authority responsible for implementing such policies.

Pointing to the fact that officials have not been able to define a consistent Caspian Sea policy, Marashi said, "Iran should adopt a definite and firm policy in this respect."

The Roudbar deputy stated that the establishment of good relations with the European Union and Persian Gulf states and Iran's support of the Intifada were some of the government's positive actions over the past year.

He said that Iran could improve its image in the world if the factions adopted a common position on major international issues. Fereidoun Hasanvand, a deputy from Andimeshk, said that we should appreciate the Leader's endeavors to reactivate our foreign diplomacy.

He asked the Foreign Ministry to be more active and make use of more experts.

Hasanvand pointed out that Iran has to prove to the world that our revolution is not creating crises for other countries or threatening the interests of our neighbors.

He asked officials to create the proper grounds for establishing relations with other countries, saying that parliamentary friendship delegations can play an important role in this respect.

He concluded by saying that Iran is known around the world as the main supporter of oppressed and freedom-seeking nations.