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Before boarding the plane bound for Russia, Shamkhani told
reporters Iran is not after getting access to atomic weaponry in its
ties with foreign states with which it enjoys security and defense
cooperation.
He said the continuation of the deliberations and consultations on
the Iran-Russia bilateral ties is the main aim of his Moscow visit.
The visit is also aimed at following up the subjects discussed between
Russian top officials and President Seyed Mohammad Khatami during his
visit to Russia last year, added Shamkhani.
Measures to prevent the Caspian sea from being a militarized
region and the extension of NATO in the Caspian Sea region are among
the major objectives to be debated between Iranian delegation and
Russian authorities, Iranian minister said.
As for the position Iran would adopt if the United States attack
Afghanistan, the minister said Iran's position is the same as what was
clearly expressed by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and other authorities of Iran's Islamic
system.
Asked whether Iran would allow the United States to use its
airspace to attack Afghanistan, Shamkhani said Iran would never
allow the United States to launch attacks on Afghanistan.
In response to a question on what Iran would do if the United
States use Iranian airspace without permission, he said in such case
Iran would defend its territory and airspace.
Commenting on the consequences of the U.S. eventual attacks on
Afghanistan, he said attacks by the United States against Afghanistan
would undermine the peace and stability in the region, cause the
floods of Afghan refugees to seek shelter in Iran and jeopardize the
regional security. He said Iran tries to alleviate the negative
effects of such situation in the region.
Shamkhani's visit comes after an invitation extended to him from
his Russian counterpart Sergei Ivanov. Shamkhani is to hold important
talks with the security, defense and political officials of Russia
during his stay in Moscow.
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