A leading American nuclear scientist and 1995 Nobel laureate said: "Bush is leading the world toward a nuclear catastrophe." The Guardian newspaper, quoting Joseph Rotblat, writes: "Bush believes nuclear weapons to be evil and dangerous for global security, but this same weapon is owned by the United States and some other countries, and they deem it good and without danger." Rotblat also referred to U.S. nuclear activities, saying: "Bush has issued orders for the production of new nuclear weapons which would cause unimaginable and unpredictable number of deaths." "Soon, United States will be testing new nuclear bombs, and in that case it will think it is its right to own such weapons."

"The new nuclear states (such as India and Pakistan) will use the opportunity to produce this kind of weapon," Rotblat added.

Elbaradei: Iran's Cooperation With IAEA Is "Transparent" Mohammad Elbaradei, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said in an interview that he will head an IAEA delegation scheduled to visit Iran beginning February 25. Elbaradei said that he also expects to meet President Khatami during the trip, adding, "Officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran are ready to show utmost transparency with respect to Iran's nuclear activities."

Expressing hope that the delegation will be able to visit all of Iran's nuclear facilities, he pointed out that he will be visiting Iran partly to dispel worries by the international community regarding Iran's nuclear plans.

Political analysts believe that in light of Elbaradei's recent meeting with the chairman of the U.S. Senate's Foreign Relations Committee, by the "international community", he meant the United States.

Higher Tariffs for Foreign Cars At a time when lowering tariffs and customs fees are being discussed, the State Taxation Organization, increased transfers of foreign cars approximately five fold. The organization notified the State Documents and Evidences Organization on December 28, 2002 of the change in the form of a directive.

Prior to the directive, foreign cars were appraised on the basis of 1750 rials to a dollar, which was subsequently changed to 8000 rials to a dollar.

It seems that this action was taken in support of domestic car production and boosting the competitiveness of domestic cars. The action can lead to foreign cars losing customers to domestic cars.

In spite of all discussions and views about foreign car imports, policymakers are still trying to impose their will in directly and indirectly opposing imports of foreign cars. The stance taken by the minister of industries regarding imports of foreign cars must be assessed in connection with this.

Bush Holding Secret Discussions With UN Security Council An unofficial Internet wrote: "With a UN Security Council meeting coming up, George W. Bush has begun new consultations with council members seeking their support for an attack on Iraq.

To dispel worries about total U.S. control over the administration of Iraq after a regime change, it is trying to highlight the political role of the United Nations in Iraq, and pretend that the future government in Iraq will be subservient to the Security Council and its member countries.

The web site quotes the Herald Tribune newspaper saying Bush has begun a new round of secret negotiations for obtaining Security Council agreement for a military attack on Iraq. Peiknet quotes Saudi daily Al-Watan as reporting: "In the new U.S. suggestion - which is being discussed very secretly in the Security Council, a special place for the United Nations for controlling Iraq after Saddam's overthrow has been decided on."