Iran condemns US missile defense

The Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, on Aug. 16 attacked a US missile defense plan, saying it threatens countries that oppose US influence. Russia has vehemently objected to White House plans for missile defense bases in Poland and the Czech Republic, saying the network could be used against Russia and would wreck the strategic balance of forces in Europe. But Ahmadinejad said "these intentions go beyond just one country. They are of concern for much of the continent, Asia and SCO members." Ahmadinejad spoke at the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which includes Russia, China and four ex-Soviet Central Asian countries. Iran has observer status. The leaders of Russia, China and Iran said that Central Asia should be left alone to manage its stability and security -- an apparent warning to the United States to avoid interfering in the strategic, resource-rich region. "Stability and security in Central Asia are best ensured primarily through efforts taken by the nations of the region on the basis of the existing regional associations," the leaders said in a statement at the end of the summit. The Bush administration says the system is intended to head off possible missile attacks by rogue countries including Iran. The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, told the summit that "any attempts to solve global and regional problems unilaterally are hopeless" and called for "strengthening a multi-polar international system that would ensure equal security and opportunities for all countries." The SCO summit in the capital of Kyrgyzstan was being watched closely by officials in Washington. Ahmadinejad's attack on US policy came 24 hours after the US announced its intention to declare Iran's Revolutionary Guards a terrorist organization. The provocative move is aimed at hitting the group in its wallet by pressing financial institutions to cut ties with Iranian businesses. The Revolutionary Guards organization has extensive financial interests. Officials within the guards have said any move to sanction the force will fail and that it will continue to "grow in strength." The head of the political office of the guards, named only as Javani, was quoted by the Iranian daily Jam-e Jam as saying: "Americans have been fighting the Islamic system for 27 years and create plots against it. But the Revolutionary Guards have made defending the Islamic system its duty and will increase its capabilities in this regard day by day." The US declaration is being made against a 125,000-strong corps that is an integral part of the state rather than a militia outside the law. It has its own navy, air force and ground troops, as well as specialist wings. Its economic portfolio includes full or part ownership of oil companies, hotels and other ventures. The White House claims the force has been sending sophisticated explosives and other weapons to Iraq, and arming the Taliban in Afghanistan, a charge Iran flatly denies.