Dalgha Khatinoglu, Head of the Trend Persian Service.
The visit of Condoleezza Rice, the United States Secretary of State, to Libya and restoration of diplomatic relations between both countries cannot serve an example for improving of strained relations between Iran and U.S. Libya differs from Iran.
In 2001, Libya officially stated that the country stops its nuclear program, as well as clarifies all plans on the issue. Libyan President Muammar Al-Hazzafi informed of the turning points in the foreign policy. Libya assumed the responsibility for the explosion of the 'Pan America' passenger airplane in Scotland in 1988, as well as helicopter explosion, which flied from Chad to France in 1989. Libya voiced readiness to pay compensation to victims. So, in 2006, Libya was stroke off the U.S 'black list' and commenced serious cooperation with the west against terrorism.
During the visit to Tripoli on 5 September, Rice said at the meeting with Hazzafi that America did not have its permanent envy. If a country is ready to strategic changes in its foreign policy, then it may believe in improving of relations with the U.S.
Libya cannot be an example for Iran.
For the first time since 1957 the high ranking diplomat from the United States paid a visit to Tripoli. Before, the U.S President called Hazzafi terrorist within 50 years, even President Ronald Reagan called Hazzafi 'mad dog'. The U.S bombed Tripoli in 1986. As a result of the bombing Hazzafi's child died.
At present, we witness improving of relations between the both countries. Despite of the U.S criticizes the official Tripoli in infringement of human rights again; it cancels certain part of sanctions imposed on the country.
The relations between Iran and the U.S had been suspended since 1979. During the visit to Iran in 1988, Reagan said that the country was the one U.S ally in the region. However, both countries became envies to each other two years later. Lately, the U.S made statements regarding improving of relations with Iran. For example, the opening of the office in Teheran, which protects the U.S interests, as well as softening of visa regime of Iranians to the United States and others. However, nothing can change negative views of both countries against each other.
There are two reasons why Libya cannot serve an example for Iran. The first is Libya was the closest ally to Iran. The source of the nuclear program of both countries was Pakistani Abdulgadir Khan. Libya opened its nuclear program archive and declared most issues on the nuclear program of Iran. For this reason Hazzafi faced with Teheran's anger. On the other hand, Hazzafi stopped supporting terrorism before holding up of the nuclear program. America had only one cause to hold discussions with the country, i.e. the nuclear program. However, the number of conflicts between Washington and Teheran is unlimited. Conflicts between the both countries are complicated.
The conflict between Washington and Teheran is due to Iran, which possess great authority in many countries including Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine and Latin America. If Iran starts discussions with the U.S, it can take stronger positions. The U.S accuses Iran of terrorist organizations' support in Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine. The ideological issue of the conflict between Iran and the U.S is more complicated. There is an ideological authority in Iran. Under the ideological principles of governing, the Iranian Government contradicts reconciliation with Israel and the U.S.
The conflicts between the U.S and Libya were transparent and the conflicts between the U.S and Iran were all round.
Before, Iran and America held discussions with limited and unofficial persons, but no results. Since 1999 to 2003, Royan Crocker, the U.S Ambassador in Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S representative in UN, Senator Bob Ney from the United States, as well as Sadig Kharrazi, former Iranian Ambassador in France, Trita Parsi, representative of Iranian origin Americans Council and Khusheng Amir Ahmadi, representative of Iranian-American Friendship Community, held meetings for 18 times and informed their governing of the results of the discussions. This was told CNN by Trita Parsi in 2003.
Even Teheran rendered certain support to the United States when it attacked on Afghanistan and Iraq. It turns like that the both countries are interested in restoration of relations, but there are many discords and challenges.
The correspondent can be contacted at: [email protected]
