Rouhani rejects reports on meeting American priest
ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency
Sat 14 Jun 2014 - 11:47
TEHRAN (ISNA)- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani rejected reports that he had a meeting with an American priest carrying a a message from Obama.
'I have met with no priest,' Rouhani said on Saturday in his press conference, as asked whether an American priest has delivered him a message from the US President Barack Obama.
'Let me make it clear. If Mr. Obama and I are supposed to exchange messages, he will write to me and I will write back.'
Rouhani noted he had already been in contacts with Obama through letters.
'We do not have any problem on this issue. There are many ways for doing this formally and informally.'
Iranian President continued that the country's nuclear negotiators are now in contact with the US team in line with talks with G5+1.
Elsewhere, regarding developments in Iraq, he said, 'We have no choice except confronting terrorism. We are friend and neighbor of Iraq. We have close and friendly ties with Iraq and we will investigate any call for supporting Iraq if we receive it from the country.'
He reiterated that Iran is ready for helping Iraq under international rules and regulations.
Rouhani also expressed dismay at certain regional countries' support for terrorist groups in terms of equipment and fund, and said, 'There are other powerful countries, especially western countries backing the groups in politically, financially and also by equipment and propaganda.'
He also noted that supporting terrorist groups is not in favor of any country. 'Even countries backing terrorist groups will be damaged by them in the future.'
Rouhani warned that Iran would give as tough response to any terrorist group who advances near Iranian borders. 'If we feel that the terrorist group is a threat for us, we will confront with it by all of the required means. Because it is supporting the territorial defense and national security.'
Elsewhere, he rejected reports that Iranian forces have been sent to Iraq to fight the terrorist group, and said Iranian forces have never been involved in military operations of other countries. 'Some may call for consultation with us on fighting terrorism, but I think it is unlikely that we meddle and our forces be involved in the operations.'
Just days ago, the Takfiri militants gained control of parts of the country's Northern and North-central areas, including the city of Mosul. On June 10, the militants took control of Nineveh Province, forcing 'over 500,000 people in and around' its capital Mosul to flee.
Reports also indicated that, on June 11, the militants seized the city of Tikrit; shortly afterwards, however, Iraqi forces managed to recapture the central city, located roughly half way between Baghdad and Mosul.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on the international community to support the Iraqi government in its fight against the militants.
Takfiri groups are reportedly entering Iraq from neighboring Syria and Saudi Arabia to undermine security in the country.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has vowed to continue fighting the militants.
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