Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, April 23, 2002
Iran Cries Foul Over US Entry Restrictions
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi on Monday dismissed the recent moves by the U.S. Senate to impose visa restrictions for nationals of certain countries including Iran as "a move backward."
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi on Monday dismissed the recent moves by the US Senate to impose visa restrictions for nationals of certain countries including Iran as "a move backward."
The US Senate voted late Thursday to bar nationals from countries officially declared as "sponsors of terrorism," and tighten control of foreign students in the United States.
The Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act, passed in the Senate, prohibits admission of people from Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Sudan and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) with the exception of those who are going to the United States as immigrants.
"Such an act is contrary to the spirit and interests of nations for expanding mutual scientific and cultural ties," Asefi said, quoted by state media. It also reflects the double standard policy of the U.S. authorities towards the Iranian nation.
Asefi noted US officials should take into account the roots of terrorism and change their unjust policies in the anti-terrorism campaign.
The spokesman pointed out that the US authorities are aimed at misleading the American people and the world public opinion from the real nature of its "deceitful and unreal" policies.
Relations strained between Iran and the United States after Washington labeled Iran as part of "axis of evil," an accusation sparked strong criticism from Tehran.