United Nations, Oct 28: Asserting that it had spotted the threat of the "fanatic" Taliban and al Qaeda much before anyone else, Iran has told the UN Security Council's sanctions committee that it had warned the international community about the threat and never authorized any activity of these groups on its territory. "The Islamic Republic of Iran did not authorize any sort of activity by the Taliban, Osama bin Laden or al Qaeda in its territory from early days of their domination over Afghanistan due to their sectarian, reactionary and fanatic nature," Iran said in a report submitted to the sanctions committee.

"Moreover, proper warnings were issued by the Islamic Republic of Iran to the international community regarding the threat they posed against regional and international peace and security," it said. The assertion was contained in its 8-page reply to 25 questions submitted by the committee to all countries.

The panel oversees the sanctions against bin Laden, al Qaeda, Taliban and their associates under a Council resolution which requires all states to freeze financial resources, including funds derived or generated by any undertaking owned or controlled by Taliban and to ensure that they are not used by the group. It also prohibits transfer of arms and materials and giving military training to individuals and entities it identifies as suspects. Iran said that their warnings about the Taliban and al-Qaeda came "when efforts were under way by some to gain recognition for the Taliban as the constitutional government of Afghanistan in the United Nations and other international organizations."

Bureau Report