Iran condoles with US, Indian crew of shuttle -distinguishes between political row & scientific

irna ^

[chance33_98]

Iran condoles with US, Indian crew of shuttle Columbia

Tehran, Feb 1, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi expressed regret over the explosion of the Columbia Space Shuttle over the US skies and expressed condolences with the family members of its US and Indian crew.

Iran distinguishes between Iran-US political row and scientific, and humanitarian issues Asefi said, expressing hope that such unfortunate events will not deter scientific centers from their attempts to explore the undiscovered secrets of the creation.

The space shuttle Columbia appeared to explode and break up in the skies over Texas on Saturday with seven astronauts on board after it lost contact with NASA minutes before its scheduled landing.

NASA warned local residents not to approach debris on the ground in the Dallas-Fort Worth area because of the shuttle's poisonous propellant.

Eyewitnesses reported debris scattered across northern Texas with residents coming across pieces in fields and on roads, including what appeared to be a door from the orbiter.

Dramatic television images of the shuttle's descent showed several white trails in the blue sky, which pointed to the breakup of the shuttle because normally only a single trail is visible, experts said.

[chance33_98]

distinguishes between Iran-US political row and scientific

How very sad that others I have seen on the web today do not.

[this_ol_patriot]

...expressed regret over the explosion of the Columbia Space Shuttle over the US skies and expressed condolences with the family members of its US and Indian crew.

Something missing here?

[CWOJackson]

Thank you people of Iran.

[JohnHuang2]

Thank you people of Iran.

Amen.

[chance33_98]

No surprise actually, sad really, but no surprise.

[chance33_98]

Iran distinguishes between Iran-US political row and scientific

Notice they did not say they distinguished between iran-israel politics and science (hence leaving out the israeli astronaunt). But still better then what some people were spewing elsewhere. Way better.

[JohnHuang2]

But still better then what some people were spewing elsewhere. Way better.

Yes, indeed, friend.

[CWOJackson]

You have an extensive memory and database. Perhaps you can answer something for me.

I recall reading some years back that there was an Indian astronaut on one of our space missions (I believe). He later said how one day he had been gazing at his country and suddenly realized that from space there were no borders (it was during one of the border disputes). Do you recall who that was and exactly what they said?

From space the world doesn't have borders and we are one people.

[JohnHuang2]

Do you recall who that was and exactly what they said?

No, unfortunately, I don't. Perhaps a google search? Dunno.

[CWOJackson]

"The destruction of the NASA space shuttle Columbia is a tragedy which affects us all. The reason why, other than common humanity, the burden of grief should be shared across the world is that space is a frontier across which all peoples of the globe must push, not just a handful of countries with leading technologies."

This from the Arab News. Did you see the message from Cuba earlier?

[JohnHuang2]

Did you see the message from Cuba earlier?

No, do you have the URL?

[sneakypete]

Something missing here?

Yeah,any mention of the Israeli crewmember. I guess we should be happy they even went this far,as it is a step up for them.

[CWOJackson]

Sorry, no. It was much in the same vain. It's really amazing how the same message comes from around the globe. Read the whole article from Arab News...amazing.

I've never been a fan of the United Nations but maybe we should replace them with an International Space Agency...I'm just joking...I think.

[MJY1288]

Here ya go John Cuban Response

[JohnHuang2]

Sorry, no.

Scrolling down the main page, I found it moments ago.

Much as I hate the government there, there's no question in my mind the Cuban people (my father is a Cuban immigrant) deeply share in our grief.

[chance33_98]

Message of Condolences to The United States Government And to the American People (From Cuba)

[JohnHuang2]

Thanks, my friend -- I had found it.

[JohnHuang2]

Thanks -- see #15

[CWOJackson]

So far the only disgusting government response I've seen came from Iraq and a French pilot. Go figure.

[MadIvan]

There's nothing wrong with the vast majority of the Iranian people; their government is what is unfortunate about them.

This expression of sympathy is not unexpected. A team of American wrestlers went to Iran a couple of years ago, and while the official newspapers had to toe the line in terms of hating the American government, they did express affection for the American wrestlers.

There is something of a cultural love affair with American in Iran - which was open during the Shah, and is kept in secret now. Hopefully their odious government will go and that relationship will be renewed.

Regards, Ivan