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Iran seeks defense alliance with neighbors to oust U.S.

Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Wednesday, April 19, 2000

NICOSIA [MENL] -- Iran is urging its Gulf neighbors to sign defense pacts that would eventually end the U.S. military presence in the region.

Diplomatic sources said after an initial rebuff, Gulf states appear ready to consider an appeal by the Islamic regime to engage in a new security regime that would make Teheran the policeman of the area. So far, none of the Gulf countries have acknowledged to signing such a pact with Teheran.

Iran claims Oman has signed such an agreement. But Omani State Minister for Foreign Affairs Yusef Bin Alawi denied Iranian reports that the emirate signed a defense agreement with Teheran.

The London-based Al Hayat daily reported on Tuesday that Saudi leaders are considering a defense pact with Teheran. They said the Saudi Cabinet is studying drafts of such a treaty. So far, Saudi Arabia has allowed Teheran to send a defense attache to the Iranian embassy in Teheran.

On Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry-aligned Iran Daily urged Teheran's Gulf neighbors to reject Israeli and U.S. pressure and form an alliance with Iran. "Now is the time to get into the phase beyond promotion of mutual trust," the daily said. "The grounds are now ripe for adopting joint long-term policies to expand regional stability and security by forging multilateral cooperation in all domains."

Wednesday, April 19, 2000


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