By TARIQ KHONJI
IRAN yesterday called for the immediate withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraq and the region, claiming that their presence was the cause of a lot of security problems.
Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said that the policies of the US and other foreign countries present in the region was the cause of a lot of problems in Iraq.
"We strongly believe that the key to solving the problem is the withdrawal of foreign troops and allowing the elected government to take over," he said.
"Our expectation that foreign troops would encounter much difficulty in Iraq has been actualised.
"We believe that Iraq's central government can be strengthened by putting an end to occupation.
"This will lead to stability and return Iraq to its development process," said Mr Mottaki, adding that he was also concerned with the ongoing fighting in Afghanistan.
He was speaking on the second day of the three-day International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Manama Dialogue at the Ritz-Carlton-Bahrain Hotel and Spa.
The event brings together all elements of the national security establishments from the countries in the region, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen. They are joined by the key external powers Australia, China, France, Germany, Japan, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, Singapore, the UK and the US.
Mr Mottaki also called for the international community to keep Israel in check.
"The Zionist regime's expansionist policies are still victimising Palestinians," he said.
"Palestine's legitimate and elected government is facing restrictions.
"The international community is not paying enough attention and has encouraged the Zionist regime to continue its policies."
Mr Mottaki also praised what he called a victory by Hizbollah against Israel when it managed to resist its heavy bombardment of Lebanon's territory earlier this year.
"It showed the fragility of Israel's power.
"The countries of the region should use this opportunity to stop Israel's aggression and help Palestinians to restore their legitimate rights."
Mr Mottaki also defended Iran's nuclear programme, adding that it was for peaceful purposes only.
"It is the right of Iran to have nuclear technology," he said.
He also noted that the US in the 1960s and 1970s had allowed the Shah of Iran's regime to pursue nuclear technology but was against it now because the country has different leaders today.
