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White House: No talks with Iran on prisoner swap
The White House on Thursday denied a report that talks are being held between the United States and Iran on a possible exchange of senior al Qaeda figures in Iran for U.S.-held members of an anti-Iran terror group. The United States has "communicated to Iran the importance of turning over senior members of al Qaeda," a senior Bush administration official said. "No quid pro quo, no negotiations, no exchange." The report said the possible exchange may involve members of the Mujahedin-e-Khalq Organization (MEK), who struck a deal with U.S. troops in Iraq during the war for a cease-fire, following a series of clashes between coalition troops and MEK fighters. The MEK was backed by former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, and he allowed it to carry out training activities in his country. The groupâs aim is to replace Iranâs religious government with democratically elected leadership. And for this theyâre designated a terrorist group? (yeah I know, no double standard) Iran Intelligence Minister Ali Yunesi confirmed reports that had been circulating for weeks, saying that his country was holding what he said was a "large number" of al Qaeda members, but he would not name them. U.S. officials said those in custody included Saif Al Adel, al Qaedaâs military chief, and Suleiman Abu Ghaith, along with two other al Qaeda members. Posted by: Rafael 2003-08-01 |
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