Iran, US to hold talks on Iraq: Ahmadinejad
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Abu Dhabi, May 14, IRNA
Iran-US-President
Visiting Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said here Monday Iran and the United States would hold talks on Iraq security.
President Ahmadinejad made the remark while speaking to reporters at a press conference.
"The US has called for holding talks with Iran to settle security problems in Iraq. We have announced our readiness for talks to help the Iraqi government and nation," he said.
He added, "But the exact date and venue of talks have not been determined yet. Both sides prefer talks to be held in Iraq in presence of the Iraqi government."
Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini said on Sunday Iran has agreed to hold talks with the US on Iraq.
"Following consultations between Iranian and Iraqi officials, Tehran has agreed to hold negotiations with Washington to relieve pains and sufferings of the Iraqi people, support and strengthen the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and stabilize security and peace in that country," he said.
Pointing to the US accusations against Iran on Iraq, Ahmadinejad said, "Iran and Iraq have very friendly ties. Those who came to the region from thousands of kilometers away cause trouble.
"They are used to looking for an external factor instead of accepting their mistakes whenever they fail."
The occupiers' plans in Iraq have totally failed, the president said, adding, "The solution (to the Iraqi crisis) is based on respect for rights and dignity of the Iraqi people and end the country's occupation."
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