The World Tribune



Sharon's warnings about Kosovo's future upset U.S., Israeli diplomats

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM

Tuesday, April 21, 1999

JERUSALEM [MENL] -- Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon's assertion that an independent Kosovo will turn into an Iranian-aligned state is quietly being disputed by European experts in his ministry.

Foreign Ministry officials, who refuse to be identified, said Sharon has exaggerated Iranian influence in such countries as Bosnia, Albania and in the Kosovo Liberation Army. The officials said Teheran has provided money to the Balkans but regional leaders have limited Iran's influence.

"They know that Iranian influence threatens them as much as it does the rest of Europe," an official said. "They know that their real interests lies with the West."

A Foreign Ministry expert said Iranian influence in Bosnia has been amplified by Yugoslavia and its allies. He said that no more than 800 Mujahadeen fighters had been deployed in Bosnia.

Currently, he said, about 200 Mujahadeen fighters remain in Bosnia. They have married Bosnian women and plan to stay in the republic.

Officials said Sharon did not consult with his staff before embarking on his initial position of neutrality in the NATO air campaign against Yugoslavia. Under U.S. pressure, Israel announced its support of the offensive.

Tuesday, April 21, 1999



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