Iran's intelligence minister strongly denied any "official or unofficial" discussions between U.S. and Iranian officials alleged by the media to have taken place since November 2001 in either Cyprus or Turkey, state radio reported Sunday.
"Following all-out investigations by intelligence ministry we reject any official or unofficial talks with the United States by certain groups or individuals," Hojatoleslam Ali Yunesi was quoted as saying, according to AFP.
"These reports are rumor and in this situation in which the United States is threatening our nation, any talks with the U.S. are against our national interest. All political groups even those outside our regime believe that negotiations with (the) U.S. under the present circumstances are against our national interest."
The Iranian government ordered the intelligence ministry to look into allegations that secret discussions have been taking place between U.S. and Iranian officials, a government spokesman announced last week.
Both the reformist and conservative press had recently reported such talks, allegedly focusing on the situation in Afghanistan.
Two weeks ago, the head of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee and a leading reformist, Mohsen Mirdamadi, confirmed the talks and later called upon the government to reveal the details of the secret discussions.
Yunesi said "these rumors are the result of suspicions by political movements and the highly sensitive nature of the matter." (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
