IRAN'S reputation has been damaged by its refusal to take part in a major security conference in Bahrain, organisers said yesterday.
International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) officials confirmed shortly before the opening ceremony of the Manama Dialogue that the officials had pulled out at the last minute.
Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki was expected to lead a delegation of top government ministers to the three-day event, which started on Friday.
By GEOFFREY BEW
IRAN'S reputation has been damaged by its refusal to take part in a major security conference in Bahrain, organisers said yesterday.
International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) officials confirmed shortly before the opening ceremony of the Manama Dialogue that the officials had pulled out at the last minute.
Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki was expected to lead a delegation of top government ministers to the three-day event, which started on Friday.
The country took part in last year's event and some have suggested the decision was a sign of hostility between the US and Iran about its alleged nuclear weapons programme. IISS senior fellow for non-proliferation Mark Fitzpatrick said that he was gravely disappointed by the decision.
"Iran talks about wanting to be part of the region and of friendship and co-operation, but it rejects a gathering like this for inexplicable reasons," he told the GDN.
"I really do not understand why they chose not to come. It is a missed opportunity to engage in the formal and informal discussions that forums like this provide.
"I think there are several reasons worrying Iran and its posture towards its neighbours.
"The refusal to take part in such discussions is an indication that they don't see themselves in the same light as others do here."
