U.S. calls Iran a haven for al-Qaeda - government denies claims, says it would confront terrorists

Associated Press ^ | May 22, 2003 | Associated Press Staff

[MeekOneGOP]

U.S. calls Iran a haven for al-Qaeda

Government denies claims, says it would confront terrorists

05/22/2003

Associated Press

WASHINGTON – The Bush administration on Wednesday accused Iran of harboring al-Qaeda members and said Iranian leaders had a responsibility to prevent terrorists from entering and operating in the country.

"There's no question but that there have been and are today senior al-Qaeda leaders in Iran, and they are busy" plotting attacks, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said.

Iran has rejected U.S. claims that it is sheltering members of Osama bin Laden's terrorist organization and said it would not hesitate to confront the group.

The impact on U.S. contacts with Iran, particularly a recent series of meetings in Geneva, was unclear. The meetings, part of an effort to ease friction between the two countries, focused on a range of issues, including postwar Iraq.

Mr. Rumsfeld leveled his accusations at a news conference at the Pentagon with Crown Prince Salman Bin Hammad Al-Khalifa of Bahrain, who said: "I think these guys [terrorists] are the enemies of free people everywhere. The war on terror is ongoing."

Later, after meeting with Secretary of State Colin Powell, the Persian Gulf leader pledged steadfast support for the Bush administration's counterterrorism campaign. "We must disrupt their movements," he said of al-Qaeda.

"The presence of al-Qaeda operatives working from Iran is a matter of very serious concern to us," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said. "Whether they are there with the permission, not with permission or what, it's the responsibility of the government to prevent these kind of people from coming to their country."

If terrorists enter Iran, he said, the government should prevent them from engaging in terrorist activities.

"That's a responsibility we expect them and other governments to live up to," Mr. Boucher said.

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Online at: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dallas/world/stories/052203dnintiran.d3373.html

[MeekOneGOP]

Next !!

[HatSteel]

Definitely. We've taken Afghanistan on the east and Iraq on the west. They're sandwiched in between and the logical next step in the war on terror. Besides, they're among the worst long term supporters of terrorism against the US.

If you can't fix it, then change the equation.

[alloysteel]

Why would the ayatollahs and mullahs of Iran WANT to confront the terrorists who have taken refuge on their territory? They are natural allies, united in their official and expressed hatred of the West and the United States in particular. Also, with US troops in Iraq on the west, and Afghanistan on the east, they have to be feeling the pressure.

You know, and I know, that George W. Bush and Donald Rumsfeld have no active plans or intentions to invade Iran. Regardless of our statements to the contrary, Iran is a little uncertain. Helps keep them alert. And anxious.

[Orion78]

bump for later

[MeekOneGOP]

You know, and I know, that George W. Bush and Donald Rumsfeld have no active plans or intentions to invade Iran. Regardless of our statements to the contrary, Iran is a little uncertain. Helps keep them alert. And anxious.

hehe ! Good !!

[MeekOneGOP]

bttt back atcha . . .

[IGOTMINE]

IRAN! Come on down, you're the next contestant on REGIEME CHANGE!

[MeekOneGOP]

That's right, Bob ! And tell them else they've won ! :O)