Iran, Syria must work with int'l community to be accepted: Annan
Afp, London
Iran and Syria must work with the international community if they want to cease being isolated from world affairs, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan said in an interview published in The Financial Times yesterday. The two countries will "have to take some responsibilities", Annan told the newspaper. The UN's top diplomat said that after meeting with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad he concluded that the two "were very keen to be accepted ... and have normal relations with the rest of the world." In Annan's view, neither country was proud of its isolated status: "It is a question of having no choice ... Syria's behaviour has isolated itself, but I think it is bravado. Iran is very keen to be accepted and have normal relations with ... the rest of the world." The UN Security Council demanded Iran suspend uranium enrichment activities by August 31 or face the prospect of sanctions. The US and European governments suspect Iran is pursuing a clandestine project to build atomic weapons, but Tehran insists its programme is designed purely for the generation of electricity. Annan said, regarding the dispute over Iran's nuclear programme, he felt the world's powers and Iran were "headed for a confrontation, unless we find a way to get all the people to step back and reflect. But I am not sure how much room for flexibility either side is going to give."
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