Iran Embassy Denies Reports On Nuclear Parts

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) - The Iranian Embassy has denied media
reports which said that nuclear warheads and several other parts used to make
weapons of mass destruction were found on a ship anchored at West Port.

It said in a statement here Wednesday that Iran, as a signatory member of
the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and one of the biggest victims of the use of
mass destruction weapons, had never tried to possess, obtain and build them.

"It is worthy to note that Iran officials repeatedly denounce the usage of
mass destruction weapons as the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,
has already issued a fatwa that Islam is opposed to nuclear weapons and that
Tehran is not trying to build them," it said.

The embassy said Iran's nuclear programme was solely aimed at peaceful
purposes, and that as a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
and a signatory to the Nuclear NPT, it had the right to peaceful nuclear
technology.

"Iran's nuclear materials are under the IAEA's close surveillance and Tehran
has always fully cooperated with the agency in applying safeguard agreements on
its nuclear materials and facilities.

"Iran's right to develop its civilian nuclear programme within the framework
of the IAEA must be respected," it said.

Last Thursday, Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar confirmed
that the two containers seized by the police from a ship anchored at West Port
recently contained weapon components.

The ship from China was bound for Iran when the police intercepted it based
on intelligence, he said.