Iran's Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Salehi categorically denied claims about al-Qaida's activities in his country, stressing that such allegations are "ridiculous," semi-official Fars news agency reported Tuesday.

On Monday, Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Canada had foiled an al-Qaida-supported terror plot against a domestic passenger train by arresting two suspects.

Police said neither of the two suspects is Canadian and they had received direction and guidance from "al-Qaida elements" in Iran.

On Tuesday, Salehi said assertions about al-Qaida's activities in Iran are "the most ridiculous claims" that he has ever heard. " It is a sheer lie, a scandalous lie that surprised me."

Also, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Ramin Mehmenparast, on Tuesday dismissed the accusations from Canada.

No proof or document has been presented by the Canadian officials about the case, Mehmenparast said in his weekly press briefing.

"The political and ideological views of the extremist groups, especially al-Qaida extremists, are by no means consistent with those of the Islamic republic," said Mehmenparast.

"We are against any violence and terrorist acts which endanger the life of the innocent," the spokesman said, adding that "Our nation is (itself) a victim of terrorism and we do not encourage such phenomena by any means." Endi

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