PGCC states' accusations against Iran 'baseless': Spokesman

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Dec 26, IRNA -- Iranian Spokesperson Ramin Mihmanparast in a statement released here on Tuesday, called the accusation against Iran in the (Persian) Gulf Cooperation Council member states' Manama statement as baseless.

'Projecting responsibility of internal problems of regional countries and affiliating them to outside elements is escaping from reality,' he said.

Spokesperson added that using oppressive ways is not a right approach toward people's demands.

'The islands of Abu Musa, Lesser Tunb and Greater Tunb are inseparable part of Iran's soil and repetitions of pervious baseless claims can not change reality.'

Surprised by Kuwaiti Amir remarks about the maritime border dispute with Iran, he noted that it was Kuwait which cut the negotiations and if it shows serious commitment for negotiation, Islamic Republic is ready for the start of talks.

Mihmanparast criticized provocative remarks of some regional countries' leaders and underlined the peaceful and legal nature of Iran's nuclear program and added that Tehran's nuclear activities are in accordance with all international rules and conventions including the IAEA rules and regulations.

'Bushehr Power Plant has the highest international safety standard and Tehran has always showed its good intention by inviting regional countries' officials to visit the plant.'

Spokesman called Saudi Arabia foreign minister's remarks as unhesitant, noting that Bahraini foreign minister's remarks do not worth being answered.

The six states of PGCC - Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates - concluding a two-day summit in Manama on Tuesday, have allegedly accused Iran of interference in their internal affairs.

Persian Gulf States voiced support for Bahrain government while lashing out at Tehran, which they say support Bahrain ongoing uprising in the host country.

Relations between Iran and most PGCC states have been further strained since PGCC troops rolled into Bahrain last year to help crack down the protests.

In Bahrain, 70 percent of people can only vote for 20 percent which is not fair and has caused protests in the Persian Gulf tiny Island, said the spokesman.

Anti-government protesters have been holding peaceful demonstrations across Bahrain since mid-February 2011, calling for an end to the Al Khalifa dynasty's over-40-year rule.

Violence against the defenseless people escalated after a Saudi-led conglomerate of police, security and military force from the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) member states - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar - were dispatched to the tiny Persian Gulf kingdom on March 13, 2011, to help Manama crack down on peaceful protestors.

So far, tens of protesters have been killed, hundreds have gone missing and thousands of others have been injured.

Police clampdown on protesters continues daily. Authorities have tried to stop organized protests by opposition parties over the last several months by refusing to license them and using tear gas on those who turn up.

The opposition coalition wants full powers for the elected parliament and a cabinet fully accountable to the parliament.

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