Iran Not After N-weapons : Former Pakistani Diplomat

Islamabad, May 16, IRNA – Former Pakistani diplomat on Tuesday said that Iran is not interested in nuclear weapons but only wants to use nuclear technology for energy requirements. Speaking to IRNA, former ambassador to UAE, Air Marshal (Retd.), Syed Qaiser Hussain said that negative propaganda against Iran has been failed and the West has to sit with Iran for talks to resolve all issues peacefully. The analyst welcomed resumption of dialogue between Iran and West to solve issues. “It is good to see that dialogue between the representatives of Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency has started in a positive way,” he said. The negotiations have been started at the office of Permanent Representative of IRI at UN and other International Organizations Building in Vienna. Syed Qaiser Hussain expressing his views said Iran is on the right path and has always taken a principled stance over its peaceful nuclear program. He added that West has no other option but to start dialogue with Iran. “They (West) cannot afford to start any military conflict with Iran,” opined the former ambassador. He said that Iran is a brave nation and cannot be pressurized. He viewed that success of Iran lies in their unity; other Muslim countries should follow the example of Iran in resisting the western pressure. Syed Qaiser Hussain added Iran's leadership has categorically stated that they are not after nuclear weapons ‘so there is no reason left for us to doubt peaceful nature of their nuclear program.’ “Iran only wants to acquire nuclear technology to meet its energy requirements,” he noted. He was hopeful with the outcome of the talks between Iran and western states on nuclear program of Iran. The analyst said being signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), it is right of Iran to develop nuclear energy and the West has to respect Iran’s right. Former diplomat said that US has to quit the discriminatory attitude towards Iran. The analyst viewed sanctions have been imposed on Iran on the pressure of Israel and Jewish lobby. He asked if Israel is allowed to make nuclear bombs, then why Iran cannot acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. The new round of the talks between Iran and the IAEA comes as Tehran and the G5+1 (Britain, France, Russia, China and the United States plus Germany) are preparing to hold another multifaceted meeting in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on May 23. Syed Qaiser Hussain has served as acting chief of the Pakistan Air Force. After retirement, he was appointed as Pakistan’s ambassador to UAE./end