No Military Cooperation with US on Iraq: Iranian Defense Minister

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, October 23, 2002

No Military Cooperation with US on Iraq: Iranian Defense Minister

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Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani on Wednesday ruled out possibility of military cooperation with the United States, dismissing as ridiculous reports that Iran will allow US troops to use its facilities.

"We will not accompany Americans in any military operation," he said after signing a memorandum of understanding for defense and security cooperation with Algerian Chief of Joint Staff Muhammad al-Imari, the official IRNA news agency reported.

The Iranian military chief dubbed as "joke of the year" western press reports that Iran may give bases to the United States in the event of a probable attack on Iraq.

Meanwhile, Shamkhani reiterated Iran's opposition to a unilateral move and military action against Iraq amid US threats tooust Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

Shamkhani stressed that Iran was prepared to fend off any threat to its borders, echoing speculation that Iran may suffer from the effects of a military showdown in its next door neighbor.

"Whether a war breaks out in the region or not, Iran is prepared with full strength to defend its territorial integrity and national interests," he said.

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