Iran is right to develop nuclear energy: AQ Khan

Islamabad, Nov 9 (ANI): Disgraced Pakistani nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan has backed Iran's right to develop nuclear energy and said a propaganda campaign had been launched against that country's atomic programme.

The West is biased against the nuclear programmes of all Islamic countries, including Iran, the Iranian state-run IRNA news agency quoted Khan, as saying.

"If Iran fires a missile then it is wrong, but if Israel does it then it is right," said Khan.

Khan claimed the West considers every action of the Muslim world wrong. He also claimed that a majority of Muslim countries had "surrendered before the power of the West, which is unfortunate."

Replying to a question about the proposal to send 70 percent of Tehran's enriched uranium out of the country for further enrichment, Khan said Iran is an independent state and will make a decision on this issue while keeping in view its interests.

"However, the international scenario is such that the West is against Iran, and Muslims countries are so weak that they cannot help Iran," he claimed.

Khan said he believed there is no harm if Iran sends its uranium to other countries for further enrichment.

"At least, Iran could achieve nuclear capability which cannot be taken away and in future, Iran could use this capability according to its desires," The Nation quoted Khan, as saying.

Asked about restrictions imposed on his movement, Khan claimed the Lahore High Court had ordered authorities to remove these restrictions.

"I can go anywhere at my own choice," he claimed. "I would be provided with security according to my needs and soon my lawyer will hold a meeting with the authorities concerned on the issue," he said. (ANI)