Military solution to Iranian n-problem impermissible: Uzbek Prez

Moscow, May 9 (UNI) Calling for peaceful diplomatic options, Uzbek President Islam Karimov today said a military solution to the Iranian nuclear problem cannot be permitted.

''A military solution to the Iranian problem is absolutely impermissible. We cannot be mere observers. We should act. Any problem can be resolved in a peaceful diplomatic way in the interests of millions,'' the Uzbeki President told reporters at a press conference in Tashkent, the Uzbek capital.

''There should be no indifferent people. We all should work and fight for keeping peaceful skies not only for ourselves but also for our grand-children. If you wish, this is a call to everyone who understands the importance of peace and stability, in the region,'' he said.

The President said that the reality today is such that there is a threat to peace and it is growing citing examples of Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran.

''The growing confrontation in the world, the great efforts made to justify possible attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities cannot be taken calmly,'' Interfax news agency quoted him as saying.

Mr Karimov expressed alarm over a possible attack on Iran that might cause disastrous consequences, in particular, for the environment of the region.

''The nuclear cloud would reach Uzbekistan in two days,'' he said, adding ''We cannot watch indifferently when someone is trying to use such methods to neutralise certain threats.'' UNI XC SB DB2130