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Iran's FM Urges for "Self-restraint" as US Girds for Retaliation
Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi on Tuesday called on the United States to exercise "self- restraint" and "prudence" as it girds for retaliation against Afghanistan following last Tuesday's devastating attacks in New York and Washington.
"Dealing with the issue in a suitable manner will help more in finding a solution to the crisis whereas any hasty and improper reaction would make the case more complicated and give rise to new problems," Kharazi told his French counterpart Hubert Vedrine over television.
Any possible retaliatory attack against Afghanistan would be " catastrophic" and a "massacre that would leave many innocent people homeless," Kharazi was quoted as stating by the country's official IRNA news agency.
"World public opinion, especially that of the Muslims, should be taken into account before any hasty reaction," he said, reiterating "international efforts and cooperation are fundamental to win the battle against terrorism."
While asserting "the Islamic world is strongly opposed to terrorism," Kharazi also lashed out at Israel for taking advantage of the current situation to the detriment of Muslims.
For his part, Vedrine noted that "the terrorists have spread their net. It is necessary to be prudent in dealing with the issue."
Voicing concern that Israel would exploit the current situation to harm Muslims, he said "any action should have the endorsement of the international community."
Iran has intensified its diplomatic efforts following the terror attacks in the U.S. While strongly condemning the inhuman attacks, President Mohammad Khatami and Kharazi have stated that the terrorism problem can be solved only through international cooperation.
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