Iran surrounded by countries with `high-risk terrorism`: Report

IRNA, Iran
Nov 19 2004

London, Nov 19, IRNA – Iran is completely surrounded by neighbouring
countries with far higher security problems than itself, according to

the latest annual report by the UK-based Control Risks Group.
Its RiskMap for 2005 identifies Iraq as an `Extreme Security Risk,`
saying that insecurity had reached “unprecedented levels towards the
end of 2004 and looks set to continue.”

Iran was classed as a `Low Security Risk,` but Afghanistan, Saudi
Arabia and the bordering areas of Armenia and Azerbaijan were rated as
`High Security Risk.`

Other neighbouring countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar,
Russia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates as well as the remainder
of Armenia and Azerbaijan were identified as a `Medium Security Risk.`

Control Risks specializes in forecasting opportunities and trouble
spots for businesses, working with more than 5,300 clients in over
130 countries.

Its definition of Extreme Security Risk is where the severity of
security risks to assets or personnel is likely to make business
operations untenable.

The high level is when there is a probability that foreign companies
will face security problems and requires special measures as state
protection is very limited.

Medium risk is for countries where there is a reasonable possibility of
security problems affecting companies as against low risk, when assets
are deemed to be secure and authorities provide adequate protection.

In judging Iran, Control Risks suggested that the country`s nuclear
programme would continue to dominate international relations in 2005.

It also believed that effective UN sanctions remained unlikely, but
said that this “may force the US or Israel to take decisive action,
possibly involving air strikes against nuclear sites. It ruled out
any full-scale military action, saying this was “not in prospect.”

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress