Posted on 10/08/2005 4:53:21 AM PDT by F14 Pilot
TEHRAN (Reuters) - A senior hardline Iranian cleric said on Friday Iran was strong enough to withstand possible sanctions over its nuclear ambitions, as thousands rallied in support of the country's right to a peaceful atomic programme.
Officials declined to comment on the award on Friday of the Nobel Peace Prize to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its head Mohamed ElBaradei.
But a source close to the government said awarding the prize to the body that had been investigating Iran's nuclear programme for three years was a "political move directed at Iran."
The head of the powerful Guardian Council constitutional watchdog, Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, said during prayers at Tehran University that Iran would not cave in to Western pressure over its nuclear ambitions.
"We can stand firm and insist on our rights until we obtain them," Jannati said during the sermon broadcast live on state radio. "We are not as weak as they (the European Union and United States) think we are."
Iran insists its nuclear programme is purely for electricity generation, not bomb making. But Washington and the EU want it sent to the Security Council, where it could face sanctions, for failing to disclose the full extent of its atomic activities in the past.
"Sanctions impose hardship and struggle on us, but at the end of the day, they will benefit us even more than they harm," Jannati said. "We have never lost anything because of sanctions."
More than 1,000 people gathered in a central Tehran square after Friday prayers and chanted: "Nuclear energy is our right" and "Death to America, Death to Israel".
They carried placards which proclaimed: "Iran will never accept bullying" and "We are ready to sacrifice our lives if the Supreme Leader orders."
Similar state-sponsored rallies were held in cities across the country, state media reported.
Iranian officials contacted by Reuters declined to comment on the Nobel prize award.
The IAEA has been investigating Iran's nuclear programme for almost three years, and last month its board of governors passed a critical resolution which could see Tehran's case referred to the Security Council for punitive action.
Iran's foreign minister, Manouchehr Mottaki, reiterated that Iran would curtail its implementation of what it calls voluntary confidence-building measures, such as permitting snap inspections of its nuclear plants, if its case was sent to the Security Council at the IAEA's next board meeting in November.
"We hope that the political resolution ratified by the board of governors of the IAEA gets corrected in the next meeting of the board of governors," he told state television
"Iran cannot accept any commitments beyond the law."
"Iran insists its nuclear programme is purely for electricity generation, not bomb making. But Washington and the EU want it sent to the Security Council, where it could face sanctions, for failing to disclose the full extent of its atomic activities in the past. "
Hummmm, okay, if thats the case, then the additonal protocol that would allow the IAEA to do snap inspections shouldnt be a problem!!!
MM
They must've already made some back room deals with Kofi and Co. Plus there's China and Russia, France, Saudi Arabia...basically anyone interested in making a buck and middle fingers to the U.S. will ignore the sanctions. *sigh*
Let's send them a nice Christmas present this year, tied to something that goes kaboom.
OK, so Iran can withstand sanctions. This is so mostly because its people don't have or use much of anything produced in the civilized world. In addition, Iran's theocratic dictators do not care a camel's f*rt how much the people suffer.
One sanction Iran could not withstand is a tight oil embargo.
So are you planning to not buy oil from them ?
let me see - whos no.1 importer of their oil ...
oh it's france ! What a surprise - then here we go let's ask them for a strict embargo of iranian oil incase these guys act up on the control agents. Let's use the good friendship we share with the frensh. It worked brillantly on iraq didn't it ?
So are you planning to not buy oil from them ?
let me see - whos no.1 importer of their oil ...
oh it's france ! What a surprise - then here we go let's ask them for a strict embargo of iranian oil incase these guys act up on the control agents. Let's use the good friendship we share with the frensh. It worked brillantly on iraq didn't it ?
For Iran to state that ElBaradei's winning the Nobel Peace Prize is a political move directed at Iran is a sham. Upon winning the award, ElBaradei stated that nothing needs changing, and recommended staying the course (with blinders on). What a joke. We'll soon see how committed the EU is at insisting sanctions on Iran for failing to disclose the full extent of its atomic activities in the past.
Can you say, "They'll get a free pass courtesy of the French?"
Hello there, newbie. I noticed you didn't claim a state or country on your profile. But based on your comments above, my guess is that you are French or at least a French sympathizer.
You might want to buy a clue. We have no respect for the French or their sympathizers here. The French government will do anything for money, especially if it means sticking it to to the U.S. Throughout history, the French have always allied themselves with tyrants and they will continue to do so. The French are predictable whores.
hey there, cowboy !
don't you understand sarcasm if you stand in it up to your knees ? Else I smell fear or hate - both doesn't smell as good as confidency
...moreover I don't think I will buy something with that odour clinging to it as nobody does. think about it.
Forgive me, bowline, if I misread you and your confidency (whatever that means). But you need to brush up on your sarcasm.
roger that
btw I ment confidence as in self-esteem.
... and there's no way that respect is worth a lot if it's easy earned or lost.
There's a lot of respect to Italys Berlusconi in this board and a lot of disrespect for the french.
Well Berlusconi won't pay for a Lady Liberty to give away he would almost certainly steal it from you on his next trip to NY if you leave him unobserved - and then again Chirac isn't France.
Ahh maybe that's all to european for you. Please forget I posted this.
hehehe your right - I certainly don't like the guys who just want to find their own easter eggs in a threat. That's boring and got nothing to do with freedom.
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