Iran calls for trial of 'world tyrants'

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-25  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

IRAN said yesterday that additional sanctions by the European Union will not affect Tehran, while President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad proposed the formation of a special court to punish the world "tyrants" for their attempt to thwart Iran's nuclear program.

Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying to a group of judges that "a court should be formed to try and punish all world criminals who invade the rights of the Iranian nation," according to the state IRNA news agency.

Iran considers its nuclear ambitions, which the West claims mask weapons making, as an inalienable right. Tehran has dismissed Western claims and contends its uranium enrichment is only meant for electricity production. Ahmadinejad also denounced the West for "issuing a verdict" in the absence of Iran.

Ahmadinejad's remarks were his first following a move by the EU which on Monday approved additional financial and travel restrictions for Iranian companies and individuals, including the country's largest bank, Bank Melli Iran.

Also yesterday, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said that the "carrot and stick policy" by the 27-nation EU bloc won't stop Iran's "pursuit to realize its nuclear rights."

Hosseini said the new sanctions would only damage European interests in Iran. Referring to the new sanctions as a "narrow-mindedness decision" by the EU, the statement quoted Hosseini as saying that "it will not help create a suitable atmosphere for a diplomatic solution" to the nuclear dispute.

Meanwhile in Brussels, the EU yesterday released a list of those sanctioned, updating the restrictions first adopted in 2007 and including 15 new names and 20 new companies the EU says all have links to developing Iran's nuclear program.

Most notable among the newly sanctioned, the Bank Melli, allegedly provided or attempted to give financial backing to companies involved in procuring goods for Iran's nuclear and missile programs, the EU said.

In June, the EU unsuccessfully proposed a package of economic incentives in return for an end to Iran's uranium enrichment program.

Tehran officials have scorned the proposal, although Iran has also said that both sides could start talks as the proposal has "common" points with the Iranian one presented by Tehran in May.

The United States and many of its allies demand suspension of Iran's nuclear activities as they suspect Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapon program.