ID :
145029
Wed, 10/06/2010 - 12:52
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/145029
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Iran dismisses reports it backs Maliki premiership
TEHRAN, Oct. 6 (MNA) – The Foreign Ministry spokesman dismissed reports that Tehran supports Nouri al-Maliki’s candidacy for the post of prime minister in Iraq, saying Iran “never interferes in the internal affairs of Iraq.”
Ramin Mehmanparast made the remarks in a weekly press briefing on Tuesday.
Mehmanparast said forming a new government in Iraq is an internal affair and the Iraqi political groups have reached that degree of political maturity to decide for themselves.
He also wished for a speedy formation of government in Iraq.
However, he said if Iran’s consultations can get over hurdles, the Islamic republic will offer consultations to all groups.
Asked about U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s remarks that Iran has rejected the 5+1 group’s offer for talks several times, Mehmanparast said Iran has always “expressed its readiness” for negotiations.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran supports negotiations but will not relinquish its rights. We favor negotiations… that recognize Iran’s nuclear rights and we have repeatedly expressed readiness for that.”
He said the Iranian side proposed talks at ministerial level with the 5+1 group (the U.S., Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany) on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, but it seemed the other side was “divided” and “lost the opportunity” for negotiation.
On Iran’s political relationship with Egypt after the two countries agreed to resume direct flights after three decades, he said the internal situation in Egypt is sensitive and Iran is not ready to hold talks with Egypt at this juncture; however, he said, there is no impediment for economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
On U.S. financial and travel sanctions on eight Iranian officials, the spokesperson said this shows the U.S. is “nervous” and such “unconsidered measures” proves Washington is moving on the “wrong track”.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Mehmanparast said a trilateral meeting between Iran, Afghanistan, and India as well as a meeting of Afghanistan’s neighbors are on the country’s agenda.
Mehmanparast also dismissed any direct talks between Iran and the U.S. as a “lie”.
Ramin Mehmanparast made the remarks in a weekly press briefing on Tuesday.
Mehmanparast said forming a new government in Iraq is an internal affair and the Iraqi political groups have reached that degree of political maturity to decide for themselves.
He also wished for a speedy formation of government in Iraq.
However, he said if Iran’s consultations can get over hurdles, the Islamic republic will offer consultations to all groups.
Asked about U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s remarks that Iran has rejected the 5+1 group’s offer for talks several times, Mehmanparast said Iran has always “expressed its readiness” for negotiations.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran supports negotiations but will not relinquish its rights. We favor negotiations… that recognize Iran’s nuclear rights and we have repeatedly expressed readiness for that.”
He said the Iranian side proposed talks at ministerial level with the 5+1 group (the U.S., Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany) on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, but it seemed the other side was “divided” and “lost the opportunity” for negotiation.
On Iran’s political relationship with Egypt after the two countries agreed to resume direct flights after three decades, he said the internal situation in Egypt is sensitive and Iran is not ready to hold talks with Egypt at this juncture; however, he said, there is no impediment for economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
On U.S. financial and travel sanctions on eight Iranian officials, the spokesperson said this shows the U.S. is “nervous” and such “unconsidered measures” proves Washington is moving on the “wrong track”.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Mehmanparast said a trilateral meeting between Iran, Afghanistan, and India as well as a meeting of Afghanistan’s neighbors are on the country’s agenda.
Mehmanparast also dismissed any direct talks between Iran and the U.S. as a “lie”.
