Caspian states won't help in attack on any of them

TEHRAN, Oct 16 (Reuters) Caspian Sea states agreed in Tehran today not to let a third country use their soil for an attack on any of them, an apparent response to speculation Washington might resort to force in its nuclear row with Iran.

The five states, including Russia, stressed that ''under no circumstances will they allow (the use of their) territories by third countries to launch aggression or other military action against any of the member states'', a summit declaration said.

In another excerpt that will please Iran, the leaders said they acknowledged the rights of all signatories to the Non-Proliferation Treaty to develop peaceful nuclear energy.

Tehran rejects Western accusations it wants to build a bomb.

REUTERS GL BD1549