New Delhi: Backing India's stand for a peaceful resolution of the Iraq crisis, Iran
on January 25 said "misuse" of international campaign against terrorism had created
a situation of war and stressed that this was the time for multilateralism and not
unilateralism.
"It is unfortunate that the world today is scarred by terror and terrorism.
Unfortunately, the misuse of the present situation has created a situation of war,"
Iranian President Seyyed Mohammed Khatami told reporters after being accorded a
ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan by President A P J Abdul Kalam.
"All eyes are looking towards Iraq. While we recommend Iraq to abide by UN
resolution, we hope there would be no war against Iraq. I hope the present situation
would be solved without any war in a peaceful way," he said.
The Iranian leader, who will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations on
January 26, said the visit would further strengthen ties between the two countries
and during his talks with Indian leaders they would discuss bilateral and
international issues.
In his brief remarks, President Kalam said the two countries had civilisational
relations and the visit would further strengthen these ties.
Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi, who is among the four key ministers
accompanying Khatami,said, "Every country is very much concerned about the crisis in
Iraq....we must do our best to avoid war in the region..this is the time for
multilateralism and not unilateralism."
PTI
