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Iran calls reports on military base for US troops 'sheer lies' |
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| Tehran, Oct 21, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi here Monday called reports that Iran would provide US troops with two military bases inside its territory in the event of any US attack on Iraq as 'sheer lies', stressing that this would basically contradict Tehran's policies. Asefi, addressing his weekly press conference, said any such move from the Islamic Republic is totally rejected, and that it flies in the face of Iran's declared policies, and the principles governing Iranian diplomacy. He refreshed Iran's stance to prevent resorting to force in settling world issues, stressing that any step toward that end must be taken through the United Nations. Elsewhere in his remarks, Asefi said President Mohammad Khatami, due in Spain on October 28, has cancelled a luncheon with the Spanish officials, given that the hosts are expected to serve alcoholic drinks at the occasion, which is forbidden by the Islamic Sharia. "Considering that Iran attaches high significance to observing Islamic codes, the Iranian delegation has regarded attending the luncheon as inappropriate," he said. "The Iranian and Spanish delegations have instead agreed to arrange a dinner, or some other ceremony, that fits our religious standards." |
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