Terming Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project as strategic venture in the region, Speaker of Shura-e-Islami [parliament] of Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr Ali Larijani, expressed optimism that government of Pakistan had the will to go ahead with the $1.5 billion pipeline project without budging to the pressure of United States.
Addressing a news conference here on Tuesday, Larijani said that Iran was a country rich in oil and gas resource, adding that the capacity of the Islamic Republic can be put at the disposal of the other Muslim nations for their benefit. With this spirit, he said, Iran is now supplying gas to Turkey.
"This is a strategic project in the region and it will be of great privilege for Pakistan to receive Iranian gas," he said, adding that the section of the project on Iranian territory has almost been completed but work on Pakistan's side is still needed to be done.
"We have opened the credit line for Pakistan so that it can help Pakistan build the pipeline on its side, which is the assistance that we could give to the dear people of Pakistan to meet their energy requirement," Larijani said while responding to a question whether Iran will provide $500 million to finance the project.
About the US pressure, he said that the people and government of Pakistan were wise enough not to accept any foreign pressure and had the will to go ahead on the project. "My impression is that it is the will and resolve of the government of Pakistan to go ahead with the gas pipeline project so that it can help the people of Pakistan. But one point must be considered that we are now beyond the age of unilateralism...We should not really consider the absolute power of the US," he added.
Last year, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations in Washington that "America has made it clear to Pakistan that if it goes ahead with the proposed IP pipeline project, it could face consequences as underlined in the Iran Sanctions Act."
Asked whether Iran has any objection on handing over Gwadar port to China, Larijani said that it was the government of Pakistan to decide about its internal affairs. "People of Pakistan are very dear and close to the people of Iran and we believe it is for the government and people of Pakistan to make their own (sovereign) decisions," he added.
To another question whether Iran still thinks that Pakistan's territory is being used against it, the speaker of Iranian parliament said that he did not believe Pakistan would allow its territory to be used against Iran. "We do trust the government of Pakistan," he added.
Asked whether there was any connection between Iran and North Korea on nuclear issue‚ he said that Iran had access to nuclear knowledge and technology and it didn't need any co-operation from countries like North Korea. Commenting on nuclear test conducted by North Korea, he said that Iran was against nuclear weapons and their tests, as we believe that it disturbs the peace and tranquilly of the human society. But, he added, that the real country to blame is the US for continuously developing the nuclear bombs and engaged in proliferation, which is the real problem.
About threats of American or Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear installations‚ Larijani said that no saner element can think about such a dangerous proposition. Replying to another question, he said there should be no military interference in Syria, Bahrain and Libya. "We believe that it is for the people of the concerned countries to decide about their future and that should not be through foreign intervention," he added.
He further said that Iran was ready for negotiation on its controversial nuclear programme but accused the US of creating hurdles in the talks. He also rejected the impression that Iran is threat to the regional countries, saying it was really surprising as Iran has a great deal of respect for all the countries of the region - not only for the Muslim but for the non-Muslims countries as well. "How can Iran be a threat to the regional countries?, he asked, adding that Iran did not attack any country of the region in the past but it was attacked by Saddam regime backed by the US and the regional powers.
To another question, he said Shiites and Sunnis were brethren and will remain so for ever. "Enemies are sowing seeds of discord among Muslims despite the fact that we believe in one God‚ one Prophet (PBUH) and one Book," he said and urged all the Muslim countries to demonstrate unity. To another question he also lambasted the US and Nato for destruction in Afghanistan for more than 10 years and also accused the Nato of drug trafficking from Afghanistan via Kabul and Kandahar airports to Ireland and rest of the world.