Turkey rejects another war in region after Israeli threat on Iran

World Down-- Iran reiterated on Tuesday that the nuclear fuel swap issue was separate from its overall atomic programme for which the six world powers and Tehran are expected to hold talks later this month. 

World Bulletin--The comment comes after nuclear-armed Israel demanded US pursue a "credible military threa"t against Iran over its nuclear program.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday that Turkey did not want a new war in its region.

The comment comes after nuclear-armed Israel demanded US pursue a "credible military threa"t against Iran over its nuclear program.

"Do you think it would be easy for us if another war erupts in our region? It is our right and responsibility to exert efforts for a peaceful solution. It does not mean that we tolerate a nuclear Iran," Gul told "Hard Talk" program broadcast on BBC.

Gul, currently in London to get Chatham House prize, answered questions of the anchor person Stephen Sackur on Iran, EU, as well as missile shield project.

When Sackur asked why Turkey’s reaction on Iran issue was different from the other NATO countries, Gul said Turkey’s views were not very different from other NATO countries, adding Turkey did not want any weapons of mass destruction in its region.

Asked why Turkey did not support the UN and EU sanctions if it was against weapons of mass destruction, Gul said, "Iran is our neighbor, this should not be forgotten. We are not talking about a country that is far way from us. If something happens in this country, it happens in our region. Thus, we want this problem to be solved through a peaceful and diplomatic way."

Gul underlined that sanctions would not resolve the problems, adding that, "UN sanctions bind us, however unilateral sanctions do not bind us." Continued…

Iran says nuclear fuel swap talk an ‘independent’ issue

“We have said from the beginning that these two issues are independent from one another,” Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told AFP.

“The issue of fuel swap is an independent issue and the issue of dialogue with 5+1 is another independent issue. If the complete independence of both these issues is not respected, then it will create obstacles in follow-ups.”

Mehmanparast’s comments come ahead of an expected meeting between Iranian officials and representatives of the six world powers — Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States and Germany over Tehran’s controversial nuclear programme.

The world powers led by Washington suspect Iran is masking a weapons drive under the guise of a civilian nuclear programme, a charge which Tehran denies. Continued…

Iran-Tajikistan cooperation benefits region: Ahmadinejad

ISNA--Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stressed Iran-Tajikistan cooperation benefits the whole region.

Ahmadinejad in a meeting with Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi on the sidelines of Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) meeting in Tehran on Monday stressed stepping up implementation of bilateral agreements.

Hamrokhon Zarifi on his part said the two countries can play an important role in establishment of regional security.

Also in another session with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, Ahmadinejad welcomed expansion of mutual relations in economic and political fields.

Dipu Moni on his part said, "we believe that the ACD meeting can help expansion of cooperation of member states and it is a necessity."

He also reiterated that his country is willing to expand trade and industrial relations with Iran.

Ahmadinejad then held talks with Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah where he highlighted expansion of bilateral ties.

Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah on his part expressed hope the volume of mutual cooperation could be increased further.

Iranian President in his meeting with Singaporean Foreign Minister George Yeo said Iran and Singapore have common views on international issues.

"Iran-Singapore close cooperation in establishment of the world’s new and fair order is influential," Ahmadinejad said.

George Yeo on his part said his country pursues further cooperation with Iran.

He also called sanctions against Iran "remorseful."

UAE businesses face obstacles with Iran-agency

KippRepost-- Iran and the UAE have close economic and historic relations.

Businessmen and traders met with the deputy ruler of Dubai on Monday to complain of obstacles they face when doing business with Iran due to banking restrictions, the UAE’s official state news agency WAM said.

Iran’s ties with Dubai have drawn scrutiny from the United States and other Western nations seeking to isolate Tehran over nuclear activity the West fears is aimed at developing bombs. Iran denies the charge.

Businessmen, including exporters and importers of foodstuffs, building materials and medicines meeting with Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum urged the government to “intervene to mitigate losses incurred by the trade sector”, WAM said.

Sanctions against Iran by the European Union, United Nations and United States have increasingly made it more difficult for Iran to transact and trade goods.

Restrictions by banks included non-opening of permanent credits and the provision of the necessary finance to meet contractual obligations, the group told Sheikh Maktoum.

“The traders also discussed with Sheikh Maktoum trade barriers they are encountering in regards to UN-approved re-exports of foodstuff, goods and commodities,” WAM said.

Iran and the UAE have close economic and historic relations. Tens of thousands of Iranians live and work in trade hub Dubai and elsewhere in the UAE, many of them involved in the multi-billion-dollar re-export trade to Iran.