CHINA SEEKING PRESENCE IN PERSIAN GULF: IRAQI ACADEMIC

Tehran Times, Iran
May 30 2007

TEHRAN — China is seeking to expand its presence in the Persian Gulf
in order to serve its interests, Iraqi professor Ala Abu al-Hassan
al-Alaq said here on Tuesday.

The occupation of Iraq by the United States has prepared the ground
for China to establish a presence in the country, al-Alaq said in a
lecture at the 17th International Persian Gulf Conference, Persian
Gulf Security and International Law.

"Since the occupation of Iraq by the U.S., China has become very
interested in establishing a presence in the region, especially in
Iraq because it considers itself the greatest economic and trade
rival of the U.S. in the region," he added.

Most Persian Gulf Cooperation Council members are concerned about
the expansion of China’s ties with regional countries, especially
its relations with Israel, he stated.

Persian Gulf is very important to Armenia

Armenian professor Anna Malekian said in her lecture that the Persian
Gulf is very important for Armenia, even more than the Black Sea.

The Persian Gulf in one of the most important regions in the world,
and it is essential that its security be maintained, she added.

The U.S. military action in Iraq has great influence over the security
of Iraq’s neighbors and in some instances has destabilized the region,
she observed.

All countries need nuclear energy

In his lecture, Uzbek Middle East expert Anwar Qasemov stated that
Uzbekistan has made many efforts to help make the Middle East a
nuclear weapons-free zone.

However, all countries need to acquire civilian nuclear energy to
supply their future needs, he said.

In light of the fact that the world’s oil reserves will be depleted in
50 to 60 years, Iran is also seeking to develop its nuclear program,
but the Western countries, including the U.S., are putting pressure
on the country, he added.

The dispute over Iran’s nuclear program should be resolved in a
peaceful way, he suggested.

Israel seeks to reduce Iran’s influence in region

Jordanian researcher Nabil Aqoum said in his lecture that Israel
is seeking to reduce Iran’s influence in the Middle East and thus
is fueling the conflict between Iran and Arab countries in order to
create an Iran-Arab world cold war.

The Zionist regime has great influence in Iraq and has used it to
alter the balance of power in the region and create many threats for
Persian Gulf littoral countries, he stated.

Iran is on the top of the list of the countries which Israel seeks
to weaken, he observed.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress