Iranian President Mohammad Khatami re-floated the idea Thursday of a "world coalition for peace," which would be created under the sponsorship of the United Nations and replace the "anti-terror coalition," led by Washington.
"We suggest a global coalition for peace. We wish for the dialogue with all people and all countries," Khatami said in a message to Iranians on the occasion of the Iranian New Year, Norouz, which came in on Thursday, and marks the onset of the spring season, according to AFP.
"We are however victims of accusations. We are called a country in the axis of evil," Khatami said, referring to US President George W. Bush's State of the Union speech on January 29 which accused Iran along with Iraq and North Korea of sponsoring terror and developing weapons of mass destruction.
"A country willing for dialogue cannot be lumped with evil. Our conduct is healthy," Khatami said.
He added that the idea of a coalition of peace should exist within the remit of the United Nations, and "the fight against terrorism" should not be the prerogative of one country, the United States.
Khatami has lobbied for such a pacifist coalition on several occasions with world leaders and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, since the September 11 attacks in the United States sparked off Washington's campaign. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
