Iran slams US bases plan

Iran strongly opposed yesterday the "grand" empire-building plan of the US to establish military bases in Iraq once a representative government is formed, saying Washington’s presence will not help strengthen the peace and stability in the Middle East.

Iran’s ambassador to Manila Gholamreza Yousefi said that US military bases in Iraq will not be "healthy" because Middle Eastern countries do not welcome the presence of foreign troops in the region.

"The Middle East is a very sensitive area and also all the countries in the region. If this is aimed at keeping stability ... they have to look at the sensitivity (of the region)," Yousefi told The STAR.

The US is apparently intent on having a long-term relationship with the government that will replace the regime of ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and is pinning its hopes on the new government to greenlight US plans for Iraq, including the establishment of military bases.

"I think it will not help to strengthen peace and stability in the region. Traditionally and historically, there is public sentiment in the Middle East that they do not welcome the presence of foreign troops and military facilities," Yousefi said.

US President George W. Bush referred to Iran, along with Iraq and North Korea, as one of the nations that comprise the "axis of evil" because of its alleged support for terrorists.

While Washington has yet to prove to Iran that it is not a military target, Yousefi said their government has "differences" with the US, though these are not enough to cause serious conflicts.

"We have some differences with the US, but not (so) serious (as) to be turned into serious conflicts. Our position is very important," he said.

Stressing Iran’s role in the recent war, Yousefi said the Iranian government sealed the border it shares with Iraq.

"It is not true (that Iran is the next target of the US). America denied this, saying it has no basis. We have some problems but it is not a case of becoming a military target of any (country). That is official," he said.

Washington, dismissing a report naming the countries next on the list after Iraq, said military action against Syria or Iran is not being contemplated with any seriousness and has not been discussed at any level in inter-agency meetings.

Great Britain, which maintains diplomatic ties with Tehran, declared they will not join any such campaign to target other countries. London said there is no record of any United Nations Security Council resolution condemning Iran, adding that there are no international threats posed by Tehran.