Despite United States and Iran exhibiting a tough postures
against one another over the latter's nuclear issue, the two
countries are trying to avoid a war in a world that has already
seen too many wars and suffered their painful consequences, a
former Chinese ambassador to Iran has said.
"Washington and Teheran both want to make some comprises but
fear that any concession could lead to a loss of ground at the
negotiation table," Hua Liming said on Wednesday.
?
They know war is not the best, but the worst possible way to
resolve the nuclear issue, said Hua, who is also an expert on the
Middle East.
"In order to achieve more bargaining power, both sides have
adopted a tough stance, even though they are thinking of softening
it," he said.
The US recently deployed a second aircraft carrier in the
Persian Gulf, accompanied by tough words from American politicians
such as Vice-President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice, and at times President George W. Bush himself.
Despite the harsh US accusation against Iran, that of disrupting
world peace and taking advantage of the division among big powers,
Washington has not closed the door on talks, Hua said. In fact, it
still pins much hope on a peaceful end to the long-term issue.
Iran, on the other hand, recently conducted military drills and
launched sub-orbital satellite and responded with even tougher
words to the US, he said. But it has always said only negotiations
could break the deadlock.
And since they are confronting maneuvers from the other side,
they have faced criticism within their borders, too. Hua believes
more and more politicians and other people in Iran are today weary
of the "defiance" and want a change of position.
Some local media have even criticized talks of "no brakes or
reverse gear" over Iran's nuclear plans.
Some senior Iranian officials see the possibility of temporarily
halting the enrichment of uranium to create an atmosphere conducive
to talks.
The big powers are now discussing a new resolution that many
analysts think would be tougher than the previous one. It could
include travel ban on senior Iranian scientists and more severe
curbs on exports.
But many countries, including some in Europe, would find it hard
to control export credit, Hua said.
The new resolution will again be dominated by the US. But once
again, Washington has to make certain comprises if it wants a "yes"
vote from other negotiators.
Hua said Iran is insistent on its nuclear program partly because
of security concerns. Also, the Iranians do not want to swallow
their national pride.
(China Daily March 2, 2007)
