Fischer in Teheran

Dark blue pinstripe suit, tie and rimless spectacles: Joschka Fischer may not be a minister any more, but he’s still a member of the German parliament. And he knows the Middle East better than most German politicians. That’s why, when Joschka Fischer speaks about the conflict concerning Iran’s nuclear program, the world listens. Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has rejected the latest demands of the Security Council, but Fischer still sees chances of a compromise:

“They’re really thinking about it very hard here (in Iran). The political system is complex and differentiated to the point of being diffuse, at times. The newly elected government represents a certain radical position. But the decision will be taken by a committee on which there’ll be other people present – and finally by the religious leadership. All these bodies have not yet had their meetings and the discussion is going on in a very intensive manner – that’s my impression.”

At the same time, Fischer warned Iran against ultimate rejection of the UN resolution. In his words: the Security Council had made it clear that the Council was not ready to take the risk of Iran acquiring atomic weapons some day. As such the present resolution embodied “a new quality”. But the Security Council had also made an offer which Iran should think about:

“There’s an offer on the table which includes light water reactors, the supply of nuclear fuel, but also joint research projects. There’s never been such an offer before – and if Iran reacts positively to it, it will be a big success for Iran. I’m of the opinion that it would be in Iran’s interest, but there’s so much prestige involved – regarding which side is going to win. I think they’re fully aware here in Teheran that the Security Council has introduced a new quality and that the determination of the international community should not be underestimated.”

Regarding the solution of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah, Fischer sees Iran as being in a key position to intervene, whether for good or for evil. Nobody denies in Teheran that they could exert pressure on the Hezbollah:

“Iran doesn’t try to hide the fact that they have the closest kind of relationship and that vital interests of Iran are involved. That’s why it’s so important not to cut off contacts, by way of talks. I believe that Iran can play a role here, for the good or for the bad. And I think it’s very important to keep the contacts alive, to such a key player in such a tragedy.”