Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi warned Wednesday against a possible military attack by the United States against Afghanistan, saying any such move would result in a "human catastrophe."
"Any retaliatory action against Afghanistan would lead to the massacre of more innocent people and leave many homeless,” he told his Italian counterpart, Renato Ruggiero, in a telephone conversation.
“Immediate prudence is necessary to prevent a human catastrophe in Afghanistan," he said, cited by the official Iranian news agency (IRNA).
"Dealing with the issue properly would clear the ground for an appropriate solution to the problem, but extremely hasty reactions would further complicate the situation and give rise to more problems," he added.
Kharrazi and Ruggiero have both issued official condemnations of the devastating terror attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, said the agency.
Both officials reiterated that attacks of the same kind should not be attributed to Muslim nations, which themselves have been victims in the past. "Islamic countries are opposed to terror and violence and have explicitly condemned such attacks."
Kharrazi also reiterated his remarks in a conversation with Belgian counterpart, Louis Michel, said IRNA.
"Military action that can result in a human tragedy will leave a negative impact on public opinion and the Islamic countries...A precise and carefully considered decision at this sensitive juncture is the key to finding a solution to terrorism, while a hasty and indiscreet decision can bring more catastrophic results," Kharrazi said.
He added that Iran had been a victim of terrorism and had called for "dealing with the ominous phenomenon at its roots."
Meanwhile, the EU has announced it would hold an emergency summit in Brussels to discuss cooperation among its members in a long-term struggle against terrorism – Albawaba.com
