Iran Refutes New York Times Anti-Iran Allegations

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, January 01, 2002

Iran Refutes New York Times Anti-Iran Allegations

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi on Monday categorically dismissed as fabricated an article in New York Times alleging there were contacts between Iranian security officers and representatives of the al-Qaeda network in 1996.

Asefi criticized certain U.S. media, including the New York Times, for publishing the unfounded story suggesting any link between Iran and the terrorism network, headed by Osama bin Laden, the prime suspect of the September 11 terror attack in the U.S..

"The Islamic Republic of Iran's transparent position in condemnation of terrorism, the Taliban and the al-Qaeda proves the baselessness of such allegations," Asefi was quoted by the IRNA news agency as saying.

Iran was quick in denouncing the terrorist attacks on the U.S., with President Mohammad Khatami calling for organized international actions against the phenomena, thus sending out signals that Iran could be a coalition partner rather than a potential target.