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Gold/Mining/Energy : Lundin Oil (LOILY, LOILB Sweden) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Tomas who wrote (2649)	7/21/2001 11:13:33 PM
From: Tomas	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 2742

Top American politician optimistic about future of Iran-U.S. ties Tehran, July 21, IRNA -- Veteran American politician and expert in the Middle East issues Richard Murphy said on Saturday there are many prospects as for the future of the Iran-U.S. ties since a firm determination is seen on both sides to resume bilateral relations. In an interview with IRNA correspondent in Madrid, Murphy who is currently the head of the Institute for the Middle Eastern studies in Washington said one should be optimistic about the future of the ties between the two states. Murphy was formerly the U.S. under-secretary of states. The following is the full text of the interview conducted by IRNA correspondent with Richard Murphy: Q: What do you think about the future of the relations between Iran and the United States? A: "I think there is always reason to be hopeful, we have in Washington a new administration, in Tehran president Khatami just reelected. This summer, in fact nearly in the next three weeks, I believe will be a vote in the American Congress about the Iran (and) Libya sanctions act and all I can say is that personally I hope that those, in the American administration, who have argued for a limited extension of that act will be successful, but there are many votes in the Senate and the House of Representatives, where the members say they want to see an extension for another five years." "Now if that happens, I will be sorry because I think it's the time right now for the two, the Iranians and the Americans to think about some new start in the relationship and if it is voted for the further five years that puts it beyond this new American administration and beyond the new Khatami administration." "So let's hope that it doesn't happen. If it's got to be extended because of the feeling of the Congress, I hope it's for a limited time. If it is extended for five years the president in Washington still has the opportunity to take certain initiatives in terms of the executive orders which are under his control which could facilitate a better relationship in terms of trade and commercial exchanges. But the Act itself inhibits, prevents American companies in the energy sector from being involved in Iran which I regret." Q: Is the United States ready to enter into negotiations with Iran as a country of the same position as Iran and not as a superpower? A: "In fact yes ... my answer is absolutely yes. America after all, yes we are called the world's only superpower. If that were by definition to create an obstacle, we would have no relations with any country in the world and that's be foolish." "We have a dialogue with countries that have half a million people. I'm thinking in the Arabian states in the Golf area. In the Latin America we have very good dialogue with many small populations, small states with small limited economies. Dialogue is normal diplomatic relations between states. So I'm optimistic we'll find the key to open the door it has to be mutual, Iran has to want it as Washington has to want it. It takes two." Q: As you know the United States have frozen Iran's assets. Do you think the United States is ready to show a good will gesture by releasing Iran's assets? A: "It's been claims, claims for Iran, claims for America that have been under negotiation at The Hague, since ... well year after the Revolution they started. So ... yes this is going ahead as rutine so nothing is impossible". Q: What do you mean by suggesting the re-establishment of the ties between Iran and the United States and what do you think in this connection? A: "I want a normal exchange between countries that treat each other ... all right . We don't agree on many subjects, other subjects we do agree such as narcotics, the drugs, such as the problems in Afghanistan. There are areas where we'll have common concerns, common interests." Q: What role could you play in re-establishing the Iran-U.S. relations and could you in fact play a part in this regard? A: "If my government would ask me, but I'm not a member of the American administration. I've retired from the government for twelve years. I'll do any thing I can to help. Yes" Q: Your country has acknowledged that it has interfered in Iran's internal affairs. Is the U.S. determined to do away with its past policies in this regard in future or would it go ahead with its previous policy? A: "I think that Washington is very much interested in a normal relationship, an open relationship with Iran. There is no basis in Tehran to be concerned that the United State is opposed to the Islamic Republic of Iran. There is no basis for that." Q: The American authorities fingerprint the Iranians entering the United States. So how could you claim to be willing to resume ties with Iran? A: "It's an insult, yes. I wish it would be changed. I wish it would be dropped. I hope it will be. It's a bad impression. I agree with you." Q: Don't you think it was a bad gesture on the part of the American officials to extend the anti-Iran sanctions. This would result in the United States's deeper isolation. A: "The U.S. is isolated at this time on the question of sanctions against Iran. They're unilateral American sanctions, they are not global. They are not supported worldwide." Q: Finally, would the United States sanction any firm willing to invest in Iran? A: "Well that sanction's Act during the Clinton's administration it was passed, during Clinton's time and there was an investment by Total with Malaysia and Russia. They three together invested in exploration development of one of the fields, and the sanction was not applied, the act was not applied. It was studied and then Secretary of State Albright said it would not be applied." HB/JB/KS