America pursuing double standard on nuclear issue : Ibadi

Kolkata, Nov 24 (UNI) Accusing America of maintaining double standards on nuclear issue, Iranian Nobel laureate Shirin Ibadi has said the US opposition to Iran's nuclear programme is not for the sake of overall peace, but for its own security interest.

''The USA has always been following double standards. America is against Iran on nuclear programme not because it wants peace in the region, but it is afraid of a threat from an Islamic country possessing nuclear power,'' she said.

The Iranian Nobel peace prize winner and pro-democracy social activist was in the city in connection with an interactive meet with the children of city-based sex workers and an interface with FICCI Ladies Organisation, Kolkata chapter, held over the past two days.

Observing that no country should have nuclear power, Ms Ibadi said possession of such weapons was against global peace process and it was not able to offer a solution to poverty worldwide.

''What I feel is that no country--be it Iran or the US or India should have nuclear weapons. This power can not solve the inherent problems like poverty in different couries,'' she said.

Speaking on Iran Ms Ibadi said the influence of clerics in Government affairs was a problem towards ensuring protection of women's right in the country.

''Women can not be aware of their problems and rights and air their voice unless properly educated. But the conservative attitude prevailing in Iran is the hurdle towards educating women,'' she said.

''If a Muslim man had the right to attend an educational institution, then there is no reason why women can not. If women are really educated then most of their problems will go,'' she said.

As for women wearing veils in Islamic countries, Ms Ibadi said, it should be the sole prerogative of a woman what to wear and what not to.

In reply to a question, Ms Ibadi said she was against banning prostitution because such an act did not help eradicate the trade rather it would give a fillip to clandestine trafficking of women.

''Take the examples of Iran and India where prostitution is banned.

But has it been able to stop the trade,'' she asked.

UNI KDG PC AKJ BS1144