Annan: Iran Supports UN-Mediated Truce Between Israel & Hezbollah
03 September 2006
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan says Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has reaffirmed his support for the U.N. ceasefire resolution that ended the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
After meeting the Iranian leader in Tehran Sunday, Mr. Annan said they both agreed to strengthen Lebanon's territorial integrity and independence and work together on reconstruction in the country.
Iran is one of the main backers of Hezbollah.
Mr. Annan said the Iranian president also emphasized his readiness to find a negotiated solution to his country's nuclear dispute with the West. But, he said Mr. Ahmadinejad repeated his rejection of U.N. demands for the suspension of uranium enrichment before negotiations can begin.
Iran ignored a U.N. Security Council deadline to stop uranium enrichment by August 31st, or face the risk of economic sanctions. Various Western nations suspect Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran denies.
On Saturday, Mr. Annan held talks in Tehran with Iranian Foreign Minister Manoucher Mottaki and Iran's top nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani.
Also Saturday, European foreign ministers meeting in Finland urged more negotiations before considering sanctions against the Islamic republic over its nuclear program.
Some information for this report provided by AP.
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