U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE: WE WILL CONTINUE TO ADDRESS THREATS POSED BY IRAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
04.02.2009 17:39 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Iran’s ongoing efforts to develop its missile
delivery capabilities remain a matter of deep concern, said Acting
Spokesman for the U.S. Department of State.

"Recently, Iran’s development of a space launch vehicle (SLV) capable
of putting a satellite into orbit establishes the technical basis from
which Iran could develop long-range ballistic missile systems. Many
of the technological building blocks involved in SLVs are the same
as those required to develop long-range ballistic missiles," Robert
Wood said.

"Working with the United Nations, we have passed a number of UN
Security Council Resolutions, including Resolution 1737, which require
states to take the necessary measures to prevent the supply of,
inter alia, specified equipment and technology that could contribute
to Iran’s development of nuclear weapons delivery systems. We will
continue with our friends and allies in the region to address the
threats posed by Iran, including those related to its missile and
nuclear programs and its support of terrorism," he added.

Iran has launched its first domestically made satellite into orbit
on Monday.

The launch of the Omid (Hope) Safir-2 rocket had been expected
and was clearly timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the
Iranian revolution.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said the satellite was launched
to spread "monotheism, peace and justice" in the world.