TEHRAN Iran has recently developed its security ties with regional countries, signing security pacts with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Iran is also negotiating security pacts with Yemen, Oman and Bahrain.

In this regard, the TEHRAN TIMES has interviewed Deputy Interior Minister for Security Affairs Gholamhossein Bolandian.

Q. In light of the vast repercussions of the Iran-Saudi Arabia security pact, does the Islamic Republic plan to sign security pacts with other neighboring countries?

A. The wise act of Iran and the kingdom, in line with the detente policy, has stipulated that similar pacts can be signed between Iran and any other country which expresses interest in such a move. According to our plans, Arab countries have priority in inking security pacts with Iran, and the Islamic Republic is reviewing suggestions in this regard. Some of the suggestions date back to the time before the Tehran-Riyadh pact.

Q. What is the general role of these pacts in the consolidation of regional ties and security?

A. The pact between Iran and Saudi Arabia, two major countries in the region, showed that foreign propaganda about differences and hostilities between regional countries is baseless and is mainly used for the purpose of promoting arms sales. It also shows that regional countries, by relying on traditional and Islamic relations and by using wisdom and taking the interests of the Islamic world into consideration, can create a regional security system.

Such acts, besides creating trust, can lead to a sort of regional security system, and if a greater number of countries participate in this system, threats against regional security will decline.

Q. To what extent do you think that this agreement can decrease the influence of foreigners in the region.

A. As I said before, Iran bases its policies on a regional security system, and relies on regional players in this system rather than foreigners. It is obvious that after achieving trust among regional countries, the image of the U.S. as a neutral player has vanished.

Q. Bahrain, Yemen and Oman are due to sign pacts with Iran. When will the pacts be finalized?

A. The pacts, as I said, are being studied, and after primary discussions and investigations, each of them will be signed when the time is ripe. The primary discussions can be made during visits of high-ranking officials of the countries. We hope that, in an atmosphere of brotherhood and understanding, there will be no ground for the plots of the enemies of Islam, the Zionist regime in particular.