US to hold Iraq talks with Iran
The US has accused Iran of funding terrorism and insurgency in Iraq
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Sunday, 13, May 2007 08:15
US diplomats are to hold direct talks with Iran over the future of neighbouring Iraq, it has been reported.
Little is known about the talks or who will be involved in the summit, expected to be held in Tehran.
However a statement from Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini confirmed the upcoming meeting.
"Following consultations between Iranian and Iraqi officials, Tehran has agreed to hold negotiations with Washington to relieve pains and suffering of the Iraqi people, support and strengthen the government of prime minister Nouri al-Maliki and stabilise security and peace in that country," a statement read.
The announcement comes on the same day that the Middle Eastern nation, widely condemned by the US as part of the world's "axis of evil" and accused of funding terrorism and insurgency in Iraq, reiterated that it will not stop its nuclear operations.
Tehran has been accused of using its nuclear facilities to create nuclear weapons - a charge Iraq denies, stating that it only wishes for a modern power source.
"[The] date of the meeting and [the] level of the negotiating team will be determined by [the] end of the current week," Mr Hosseini added.
The US and Iran have had no diplomatic ties since the early 1980s.