It’s clear that the Clinton administration would like to improve relations with Iran. Indeed, the administration has made some gestures to Tehran. But a rare interview with Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi makes clear that Iran wants all give and no take. As for the Middle East peace process, it won’t change Iran’s antipathy to Israel. Kharrazi spoke recently with NEWSWEEK’s Lally Weymouth. Excerpts:
KHARRAZI: Certain U.S. policies. Each year the president issues an executive order vis-a-vis Iran. It is still in place, prohibiting trade and business. Iran is ready to develop its relations with all countries based on an equal footing. There is no reason we should not normalize relations with the Americans provided they pave the way for this.
As for food and medicine, it is sold on a case-by-case basis. We believe Iranian goods should be allowed to enter the American market.
They are very significant. It is the sixth Parliament to be elected. It can be very important, because we have learned how to exercise democracy and to participate in [elections].
If Syria succeeds in regaining its land and making good on its claims to the fullest extent, then that would be welcomed by everyone.
We do not recognize Israel at all.
I don’t think that Iran’s position toward Israel would change, because we do not recognize Israel as a legitimate government.
We do not think Israel is a legitimate government.
It’s not a country to us.
Israel has occupied the territories of people in that region, and it should be recognized as an occupying entity.
We believe that fighting will not end this crisis. We have told the Russians that even if they capture Grozny, the Chechens can go to the mountains and start a holy war. There should be some political move.
I know that his language and tone have changed, and we have taken this as a positive development. Naturally, he has to take practical steps.
This is not correct. Our support for Hizbullah is humanitarian only. We consider them liberating forces, not terrorists.
Many countries in the region have missiles, including Israel–not only missiles, but also nuclear weapons.
I don’t think there is any reason the relations between two countries should be tied to their relations with another country.
I am not optimistic. Israel is not ready to withdraw from the Golan Heights as fully as Syria anticipates.
I believe that if the U.S. changes its policies toward Iran [we would not be] enemies. It is natural to label each other in times of animosity. The question is how to change the environment.
There are groups that are supporters of the president and those that do not support the president.
