Region | Iran
Germany: Force will not change Iran
Iran's nuclear aspirations cannot be changed by force and, in a conflict with Iran, there would be no winning side, according to Joschka Fischer former Foreign Minister of Germany.
- By Samir Salama, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:00 February 23, 2007
- Image Credit: AP
- Iranian students chant slogans during a demonstration supporting Iran's nuclear activities, in front of the French Embassy in Tehran.
Abu Dhabi: Iran's nuclear aspirations cannot be changed by force and, in a conflict with Iran, there would be no winning side, according to Joschka Fischer former Foreign Minister of Germany.
"Waging war on Iraq has had a destabilising effect on the region and this destabilisation will worsen if military action is taken against Iran. Iran's nuclear aspirations cannot be changed by force," Fischer said in a lecture held at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research.
He explained that in Iran "we face two major challenges: regional Iranian hegemony, and the Iranian nuclear programme."
Fischer believes that the effects of war in Iraq can be contained if wise leadership prevails in the region and in Washington. "Once 'Balkanisation' starts in the Middle East, we don't know how or where it will end."
News Editor's choice
-
Kuwait condemns Houla massacre
Arab League urged to put end to oppression of Syrian people
-
Road crashes main cause of child death in UAE
Death rate among children in car accidents in the UAE is three times higher than global average
-
Last minute ID rush is on
Expatriates in Dubai have thronged typing centres and Emirates ID registration offices to meet the May 31 registration deadline
