Iran FM Warns Against Start Of Civil War In Egypt

Tehran, Aug 17, IRNA - Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif warned against the advent of civil war in Egypt and called on all belligerent parties to exercise "maximum restraint". He made the remarks in a telephone conversation with his German counterpart Guido Westerwelle on Friday. The German diplomat felicitated Zarif on his nomination as new foreign minister of the country, wishing him success during his tenure. Meanwhile, Westerwelle invited his Iranian counterpart to pay a visit to Germany in near future. The two foreign ministers also discussed the latest international developments, the ongoing crisis in Egypt in particular. German Foreign Ministry spokesman Andreas Peschke told reporters on Friday that during his telephone conversation with Zarif, Westerwelle had expressed hope to hold talks with his new Iranian counterpart on the sidelines of next month meeting of the UN General Assembly. The German chief diplomat also called for constructive talks with the new Iranian government over its nuclear program./end