Iran Focus: London, May 01 – The U.S. State Department accused Iran on Monday of continuing to remain the most active state sponsor of terrorism. The following is the text of the State Department’s “Country Reports on Terrorism 2006” relating to Iran:
U.S.: Iran remains most active state sponsor of terrorism
Iran hostage ‘loses his passport’
Press Association: One of the British navy crew held hostage by Iran has had to delay rejoining his ship after losing his passport, it has been reported.
Iran raises objection at nuclear meeting
AP: Iran objected Monday to language in a document reaffirming the need for full compliance with the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, a move that diplomats said could torpedo a conference aimed at strengthening the accord.
If Rice bumps into Iran official, she’ll be polite
Reuters: If Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice bumps into the foreign minister of Iran, she will be polite but firm about U.S. resolve to convince Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions, President George W. Bush said on Monday.
World powers to discuss Iran in London Wednesday
Reuters: Senior officials of six world powers will meet in London on Wednesday to review Iran’s nuclear plans following renewed talks between the European Union and Tehran, Britain said on Monday.
Beckett seeks review of relations with Iran after sailors’ capture
The Independent: The Foreign Secretary, Margaret Beckett, has ordered a review of Britain’s relations with Iran following the capture of 15 British sailors last month in the Persian Gulf. She said that after the Government attributed a similar hostage-taking in 2004 to a “misunderstanding … that is not the way to react now”.
Tourists not exempt in Iran dress crackdown: police
AFP: Iran on Monday warned tourists and other foreigners visiting the country to obey its Islamic dress code in line with a nationwide crackdown against slack dressing, the ISNA news agency reported.
Iran attendance at Iraq conference is ‘positive’-US
Reuters: The United States said on Monday it was “positive” that Iran will attend a conference in Egypt this week to discuss stabilizing Iraq but declined to say whether there will be bilateral U.S.-Iranian talks there.
Iran likes idea of Gazprom in India gas link
Reuters: Iran suggested on Monday it would welcome any Gazprom involvement in a proposed $7 billion gas pipeline to India via Pakistan, with a senior official saying it would speed progress.
Hostage Faye goes back to Iraq
The Sun: Gutsy sailor Faye Turney was heading back to her ship off Iraq today just three weeks after she and 14 other Brit hostages were freed by Iran.
