Iran Condemns 'Illegitimate' US-led Attack on Iraq

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, March 20, 2003

Iran Condemns 'Illegitimate' US-led Attack on Iraq

Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi termed in a statement on Thursday the US attack on Iraq "unjustifiable and illegitimate", the official IRNA news agency reported.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi termed in a statement on Thursday the US attack on Iraq "unjustifiable and illegitimate", the official IRNA news agency reported.

"American military operations on Iraq are unjustifiable and illegitimate," the Press and Information Bureau of the Iranian Foreign Ministry quoted the minister as reporting.

Kharrazi stressed that "Iran will not enter into action to the benefit of either side."

"The extent of the threats emanating from the American military attacks can be far more extensive and unpredictable and can put thelives of thousands of innocent people in unprecedented danger," Kharrazi said as he called for a halt to the attacks.

He also said "a new round of efforts in order to reduce the horrible and extensive consequences of the war must start."

"The third war in the sensitive (the Middle East) region has started regardless of its duration, challenging the authority of the United Nations and the continued heedlessness of America to thecollective wisdom, will totally destroy the precious mid-century-long achievements of nations and governments for institutionalizing cooperation for security and peace," he added.

The United States started its war against Iraq early Thursday morning with cruise missile attacking on what Pentagon officials said were aimed at senior elements of the Iraqi leadership.

CNN quoted the Pentagon as saying the attack included "two dozens" cruise missiles, fired from warships stationed at the Red Sea and Persian Gulf as well as F-117A stealth fighters.

The missiles were reportedly landed south of Baghdad as well as inside the Iraqi capital. The results of the attacks were still unknown.

Anti-aircraft Iraqi fire and air raid sirens succeeded the attacks in Baghdad.

US President George W. Bush gave a short four-minute televised address shortly after the strike, announcing that "coalition forces" had started "early stages of war" against Iraq.

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