Rice Says Iranian Regime 'Something To Be Loathed'

4 February 2005 -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said the Iranian government's treatment of its own people is "something to be loathed."
Rice said she doubted anyone believed the "unelected mullahs who run that regime" are good for the Iranian people or the region.

Rice made the remarks last night en route to London at the start of weeklong tour of Europe and the Middle East.

Later today, Rice will meet with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw before heading on to Germany.

Britain and other European allies are concerned about American intentions towards Iran. In his State of the Union speech on 2 February, President George W. Bush accused Iran of state-sponsored terrorism. In the past, Bush has said he would not rule out military action against Iran over its suspected nuclear weapons program. Iran denies it is pursuing a nuclear weapons program.

(AFP)