Iranian envoy suggests pricing Iranian oil in rubles

Iran's Envoy: Iran and Russia
Can Rid World of Dollary's Slavery

From Islamic Republic News Agency, Tehran
Friday, February 15, 2008

http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-237/0802150324191831.htm

MOSCOW -- Iran's ambassador to Russia said here Friday that Iran and Russia, as major energy suppliers, can rid the world of the U.S. dollar's slavery by promoting oil and gas deals using other currencies.

In an interview with Echo Moscow Radio, the ambassador, Gholam-Reza Ansari, further emphasized, "We have been trying to launch an oil market in Iran and trying to find substitute currencies for Iran's oil sales. That can be Russia's ruble."

He said he appreciated Friday's remarks by the Russian prime minister's first deputy, Dimitri Medoviv, on Russia's intention to sell its oil in rubles, saying, "That was a brave move."

Focusing on the world's large gas producers, the Iranian ambassador said, "We need to establish an organization as soon as possible to regulate the market and monitor the proper use of this product."

Elsewhere in his interview, Ansari rejected the position of Western countries against Iran's achievements in peaceful nuclear technology and aerospace engineering, saying, "By sending a satellite to earth orbit, Iran intends to decrease the hazards of natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes."

He added, "Such moves are totally within the framework of international laws and conventions, pursuing absolutely no military objectives."

Ansari added, "On the other hand, as a free and independent nation, we cannot ask for the permission of the United States and the West for taking any step to safeguard our nation's interests, just as Russia does not do so for its scientific and other national activities."

The ambassador also elaborated on Iran's achievements in the 29 years since the glorious victory of the Islamic revolution of Iran.

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