Iran imposes no threat to region, sanctions in our favor: Shehabi

Tuesday,19 October 2010
By : Jameel W. Karaki
KUWAIT: The Charge Affairs of the Iranian Embassy in Kuwait, Sayyed Shehabi, stressed that Iran imposes no threat to the region, and that Kuwait and Iran can work together to cement security and stability within the region. He surprisingly noted that the economic sanctions imposed on Iran have a positive effect in the Iranian economy. The previous were statements made exclusively to Al Watan at the Iranian Embassy. Below are excerpts of that interview:

How do you view the bilateral relations between Iran and Kuwait?
Shehabi: The bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries go back several centuries. The Iranian people in Kuwait played a major role in establishing Kuwait, which led to inter-marriages and other forms of social bonding. The trading between Kuwaiti ports and Bushehr and Bandar-e-Abbas are the bedrock of the relations between the two.
Iran was one of the first countries that recognized Kuwait after it gained its independence and opened an embassy in Kuwait in 1962, where we will celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Kuwaiti-Iranian diplomatic relationships.
Iran's supportive steps towards Kuwait and its rejection of the Iraqi invasion (in 1990) had a profound effect in reinforcing the relationships between the two countries in all fields. This was further underscored by the visit of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Kuwait in February 2006, where he held talks with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah concerning the means required to strengthen the relationships and cooperation.
The geostrategic location of Kuwait and its current heading of the GCC council, on the one hand, and Iran's regional influence on the other, led to the prosperity of the bilateral relations. This has become a model for other countries, especially since both countries share the same challenges and visions.

How do you respond to claims that Iran is a threat to the security of the region?
Shehabi: Iran does not impose any threat to neighboring countries but acts as a preventative shield to protect countries from numerous threats.
Iran's war against drug cartels, war lords, and alcohol dealers has cost it the lives of many of its men, which is a fact that neighboring countries are oblivious to. During the last 24 hours, Iranian border guards managed to thwart the attempts of drug cartels to smuggle eight tons of narcotics through a border crossing. We have always rejected any military presence from the West in the region and asked for a regional security system that guarantees security for all in the area. We also believe that the security will be achieved through talks and cooperation, particularly that the foreign military presence has not resulted in any stability.

What is the extent of the economic and commercial sanctions on the Iranian economy?
Shehabi: I cannot deny the effect that the international sanctions have on the Iranian people, but I would like to stress that those sanctions negatively impact European companies more. Imposing additional sanctions casts a dark shadow over the region that is in dire need for stability. Talks are the only means available, because sanctions have been futile historically. Iran welcomed the announcement made by the European Union's Ministers of Foreign Affairs that they will commence with negotiations mid-November, after five months of imposing sanctions.
However, oil sectors were not affected by the international sanctions, while countries that have investments harm themselves because of obeying American instructions. Sanctions are futile because the world has realized that Iran only seeks the peaceful usage of nuclear power. Iran's refusal and defiance to the American influence forces it and other major powers to try to impose their will and policies on Islamic nations. Sanctions violate the simplest integrity and justice. Washington is attempting to complicate the situation in the region through imposing sanctions on Iran, while turning a blind eye to Israel's nuclear arsenal and state terrorism that it practices against the helpless Palestinians.
Concerning our nuclear program, the experts of the International Atomic Energy Agency affirmed repetitively that it is for peaceful purposes.
The economic sanctions forced the Iranians to depend on themselves and to secure their basic requirements without having to import any commodities. The West believed that banning the exporting of gas to Iran will paralyze the Iranian economy, but their attempts are in vain.

How do you assess the visit of President Ahmadinejad to Lebanon?
Shehabi: It is beyond any doubt that the president's visit to Lebanon was very successful, where you have seen the unprecedented tumultuous reception that the president received by all political currents in Lebanon. The visit was also welcomed by the Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia and Syria, which highlights the pivotal role that Iran plays in the Middle East. President Ahmadinejad delivered Iran's message to Lebanon and said in Arabic that Iran will always support Lebanon. He opened the doors for unlimited cooperation between Iran and all Lebanese people, regardless of sect, religion and ethnicity. The President has warned against the tyrants who cannot tolerate unity and harmony. The calls by him to establish fronts of resistance in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Iraq, and Iran, which share the same vision in defending the region and the rights of its people, is a successful step in limiting the American control and Israel's arrogance in the region.