[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 102 (Thursday, June 19, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IRAN AND NUCLEAR WEAPONS

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                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 2008

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, it's clear that those leading 
the government of Iran are not friends of the United States or of our 
friends, including Israel. It would be folly to think otherwise.
  So, we are right to be concerned about the possibility that Iran 
could obtain nuclear weapons, and we should take seriously the report 
from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that the possibility 
of their developing them is ``a matter of serious concern.''
  But I think a recent editorial in the Colorado Springs Gazette was 
right to remind us that while Iran's actions ``cannot help but arouse 
suspicion . . . This is hardly a reason to resume rattling sabers, as 
some Americans seem to desire'' and that in fact ``it may be a reason 
to take steps toward more direct talks with the theocratic regime.''
  Because I think its points deserve consideration, I am attaching the 
complete editorial for the information of our colleagues:

           [From the Gazette, Colorado Springs, June 5, 2008]

                       An Opening for Iran Talks?

       The latest report from the International Atomic Energy 
     Agency indicates that while there is still no solid evidence 
     that Iran is actively developing nuclear weapons, the 
     possibility is still ``a matter of serious concern.'' Iran is 
     still playing cat-and-mouse with the IAEA in ways that cannot 
     help but arouse suspicion.
       This is hardly a reason to resume rattling sabers, as some 
     Americans seem to desire. Indeed, it may be a reason to take 
     steps toward more direct talks with the theocratic regime.
       The fact that a rival to loose-lipped Iranian President 
     Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was overwhelmingly elected as speaker of 
     the Iranian parliament suggests that it might be a good time 
     to take preliminary steps toward resuming the official 
     contact between Iran and the United States. Ali Larijani, who 
     has been critical of Ahmadinejad because of persistent 
     inflation and other economic problems, won by a vote of 323-
     31.
       It is unthinkable that Larijani rolled up this majority 
     without backing from Iran's supreme religious leader, 
     Ayatollah Khamenei, and the mullahs who really run the 
     country. Most analysts interpret his victory as a signal that 
     the mullahs are rethinking their support of Ahmadinejad.
       If the United States is to remain involved in the region, 
     it is wise to recognize that while Iran poses no direct 
     threat to the United States, it is an important regional 
     power. In such situations, as the Godfather understood, it is 
     important to keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

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