Iran tries to resolve Middle East crises: FM

Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs Manouchehr Mottaki spoke about Iran's regional position saying today that Iran has always made efforts to resolve crises in the Middle East region.

Mottaki also noted that respecting national unity and sovereignty as well as legitimate governments is considered a rational solution to get rid of unrest in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Palestine.

Mottaki further said that expansionism and ignoring the realities in Iraq by foreign forces are among main factors fomenting unrest and crisis in the country.

Pointing to the escalation of tension in Afghanistan, he noted the circumstances in the neighboring country is fragile, and unrest and crisis are on the rise.

On the developments in Palestine and Lebanon, he further said that negotiation and dialogue are the best ways to resolve difficulties and differences, expressing hope Palestinian inter fighting will end as soon as possible.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad Reza Bagheri said that Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki proposed the signing of an agreement on free trade between Iran and member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in a letter to its secretary general, and that they have welcomed the proposal.

Iran has acknowledged to the GCC member states that it is ready to sign treaties on non-aggression and joint defense cooperation, Bagheri added.

He ruled out the allegations on Iran's interference in the developments of Gaza Strip. Bagheri expressed concern about crisis in both Lebanon and Palestine and said the US is behind the Lebanese crisis.