Report: Iranian Delegation in Baghdad to Discuss Iraqi Security with US
By VOA News
05 March 2008
Iranian media say a delegation from Tehran arrived in Baghdad Wednesday, for a new round of talks with U.S. officials about security in Iraq.
The ISNA news agency quotes the head of Iran's delegation, Reza Amiri-Moghadam, as saying the fourth round of talks will begin on Thursday. There has been no confirmation from U.S. officials.
Discussions had been set for last month, but Tehran postponed the meetings without setting a follow-up date. Iranian officials blamed the delay on what they called "technical" reasons, but gave no details.
U.S. and Iranian officials met three times in Baghdad last year to discuss Iraqi security. It was the first direct diplomatic contact between the U.S. and Iran in nearly 30 years.
In other news, the top U.S. military commander in the Middle East, Admiral William Fallon, says Iraq's improved security situation could allow the United States to consider reducing troops in Iraq, but not an early withdrawal.
Fallon Tuesday cautioned against an accelerated pullout of U.S. troops. He said it is important not to lose ground recently gained.
He told the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington that last year's troop surge in Iraq has reduced terrorist attacks and sectarian violence.
The U.S. Defense Department plans a limited withdrawal of forces from Iraq that is scheduled to be completed in July.
After that, Fallon said he and other commanders believe the U.S. should take time to reassess conditions before contemplating further troop cuts.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.
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