Khatami: World Is in Need of Freedom, Democracy
No one can stand against the tide of the world public opinion," he added.
He stressed the need for establishing democracy based on indigenous culture and values. He said using violence and aggression instead of logic and dialogue in international relations poses a danger which threatens the world.
"Unfortunately in no other time violence, aggression and attempts to weaken international institutions has been so prevalent as it is now," he declared. He outlined Iran's positions on recent regional developments and touched on war and terrorism in the aftermath of the September 11 events in the U.S.
"We stand in need of peace and security in the world and this cannot be established by resorting to force," Khatami underlined.
He chided the irresponsible behavior by U.S. officials as reasons for Islamic extremism in some parts of the Muslim world. He also singled out unilateralism as a global threat.
Elsewhere in his statements, he said Australia is in a good position to foster the proposal for dialogue amongst civilization. He said Iran is pursuing transparent and peaceful use of nuclear energy, adding, "We not only are not after acquiring weapons of mass destruction (WMD) but are proponents of a region devoid of such weapons."
He referred to Iran as a country which is a signatory to the protocols on banning the production and spread of weapons of mass destruction, as well as chemicals and biological weapons 'as opposed to Israel which has refused to become a member to such international accords'.
"However, the right for peaceful use of nuclear energy should be furnished to countries who want it," he noted.
Iran has always cooperated with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), but wants assurances that 'we can be assisted in to be given rights for peaceful use of nuclear energy'.
On Iraq he added that the Iraqis should have a broad-based government which can be a force in cooperation with its neighbors and stability in the region. For his part, Downer referred to his discussion with regional heads of states adding, "Spread of violence is dangerous for the world."
He also stressed the need for combating the spread of WMD.
He said the occupying forces in Iraq are inclined to leave the country 'as soon as democratic government is established in the country' and with cooperation of neighboring states such as Iran.
"I hope the crisis in the occupied territories will be resolved in the near future," the Australian foreign minister said.
Iran's Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi and his Australian counterpart Alexander Downer also discussed here Sunday a host of issues, including the two countries' ties and Tehran's nuclear energy programs as well as Iraq and drug trafficking.
The Iranian foreign minister reiterated the "peaceful and transparent" nature of the country's nuclear energy programs and called for lifting of sanctions on the Islamic Republic's access to nuclear know-how.
The Islamic Republic has criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for failing to fulfill its commitments to the country according to the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty agreement, by denying Iran access to nuclear technology.
"The lifting of sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran is the natural right of the Iranian people to make use of modern technology," Kharrazi said.
Foreign Minister Downer said the world acknowledges about Iran's important role for establishing security and peace in the region.
Downer described Iran's role in restoring security and peace in Afghanistan and fighting terrorism as "important". Drug trafficking, he said, is the serious concern of all world countries.
Regular talks between Tehran and Canberra on disarmament and human rights would help the two countries' views become closer.
Outlining Tehran's stance on Iraq developments, the Iranian foreign minister stressed that the United Nations must be entrusted with pivotal role in that country's post-Saddam era.
"Tehran does not seek to impose its own model on neighboring Iraq and the international community must make all its efforts to help Iraqi people set up a democratic government based on the votes of Iraqis from all walks of life," he said.
Kharrazi said that the hardline policies of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on the back of Washington's all-out support had removed any grounds for establishment of enduring peace in the Middle East.
The Islamic Republic's foreign policy is based on collective cooperation and strengthening peace and international security, he said.
"Iran's cooperation and participation in strengthening regional cooperation and stability in this volatile region is key to strengthening security and the global community acknowledges this," Kharrazi said.
He cited Tehran's help in national reconciliation in Tajikistan as well as its role in establishing a central powerful government in Afghanistan and fighting terrorism in line with such policies.
"Unilateralism, in contrast to cooperation and participation of the global community, is a serious threat to resolving common problems. Thus, collective and multilateral moves must be given attention," Kharrazi said.
The Australian foreign minister spelled out his country's interest in maintaining ties with Iran which he said were moving ahead in political, economic and cultural fields.
Kharrazi called Osama bin Laden's Al Qaeda network a "dangerous organization" and said Tehran was serious about combating it.
Kharrazi said had started a campaign against Al-Qaeda before the U.S. launched its attacks against this group.
The Washington Post newspaper reported on Sunday the United States had broken off all contact with Iran following intelligence reports which suggested Al-Qaeda operatives in Iran played a role in the May 12 suicide bombings in Saudi Arabia.
Kharrazi insisted Iran had already arrested and deported many Al-Qaeda members who had crossed illegally into the country and was interrogating other suspects.
"We have been serious about Al-Qaeda and we will remain serious about Al-Qaeda because it is a very dangerous organization," Kharrazi told reporters after a meeting with Downer.
"There is no way that Iranians would support Al-Qaeda because we have been fighting with Al Qaeda since before even the Americans were engaged with (fighting) them," he said.