Fate of Baghdad talks depends on 5+1 approach: Iranian SNSC secretary

TEHRAN, April 24 (MNA) – The secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has said that the fate of scheduled talks between Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany) in Baghdad on May 23 depends on world powers’ “proper understanding” of Iran’s potential on the international stage, which provides an opportunity for cooperation. SNSC Secretary Saeed Jalili made the remarks during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in Tehran on Monday. He said that the West’s dialogue-pressure approach toward Iran has failed, adding, “The fate of the Baghdad talks depends on the proper understanding of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s national, regional, international capacities as an opportunity for cooperation. “They should have a proper understanding of the Iranian nation’s strong will to strengthen and increase these capacities.” Maliki highlighted the role of the Islamic Republic in the world and said that cooperation between the two countries will help bring peace, stability and security to the region. In a separate meeting with the Iraqi prime minister, Ayatollah Hashemi Shahroudi, who is a senior member of the Assembly of Experts, said that Iraq can play a more effective role in promoting the “Islamic awakening movement” and supporting popular uprisings which have engulfed Arab countries.