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US wants Egypt to press Iran on weapons, terrorism and human rights
WASHINGTON (AFP) Jan 06, 2004
The United States said Tuesday it looked to Egypt to press concerns about Iran's nuclear program, alleged support for terrorism and poor human rights record amid signs Cairo and Tehran may be close to resuming diplomatic relations.
The State Department declined to comment specifically about the possibility of a formal resumption in Egyptian-Iranian ties but said Washington believed that all governments should use their contacts with Tehran to raise such matters.
"We do speak regularly to a variety of friends in the region, including the Egyptians, about the ongoing concerns we have with regard to Iran," spokesman Richard Boucher said.
He listed those concerns as Iran's "weapons of mass destruction programs, opposition to the Middle East peace process or Iran's especially poor human rights record."
"As far as how the Egyptians proceed, I think they certainly understand our position on this," Boucher said.
"It is important ... for us and all of us who are concerned about Iran's behavior in the region, particularly with regard to weapons of mass destruction and support for violent groups, to make that message clear to Iran," he added.
The comments came in response to questions about reports that a top Iranian official said Egypt and Iran would resume diplomatic relations within days.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher said later that Cairo had made no such decision but said that relations with Iran were "on the right track."
US wants Egypt to press Iran on weapons, terrorism and human rights
WASHINGTON (AFP) Jan 06, 2004
The United States said Tuesday it looked to Egypt to press concerns about Iran's nuclear program, alleged support for terrorism and poor human rights record amid signs Cairo and Tehran may be close to resuming diplomatic relations.
The State Department declined to comment specifically about the possibility of a formal resumption in Egyptian-Iranian ties but said Washington believed that all governments should use their contacts with Tehran to raise such matters.
"We do speak regularly to a variety of friends in the region, including the Egyptians, about the ongoing concerns we have with regard to Iran," spokesman Richard Boucher said.
He listed those concerns as Iran's "weapons of mass destruction programs, opposition to the Middle East peace process or Iran's especially poor human rights record."
"As far as how the Egyptians proceed, I think they certainly understand our position on this," Boucher said.
"It is important ... for us and all of us who are concerned about Iran's behavior in the region, particularly with regard to weapons of mass destruction and support for violent groups, to make that message clear to Iran," he added.
The comments came in response to questions about reports that a top Iranian official said Egypt and Iran would resume diplomatic relations within days.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher said later that Cairo had made no such decision but said that relations with Iran were "on the right track."
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