US interest in 4th round of talks with Iran, Hakim says
Iraq-Iran-USA, Politics, 12/18/2007

The USA is showing interest in the fourth round of talks with Iran, political advisor to United Iraq Coalition Mohsen Hakim said in Tehran yesterday.

He said that in his talks with the US officials in Washington, they showed eagerness to hold dialogue with Iran. "Thanks to the effective steps Iran has taken to restore law and order to Iraq in the aftermath of Saddam Hussein's collapse, the US officials have dropped their accusations against Iran," he said.

The Iraqi political leader said that relations with Iran was a topic of negotiations with the US officials in Washington, adding that attitude of the US officials toward Iran was different from the past.

"Perhaps, the change of tone in Washington was consistent with verification of Iranian nuclear program by the UN agency and the report of US National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) acknowledging non-diversion of Iranian program," Hakim said.

The Iraqi leader said that in his previous visits to Washington, the US officials used to accuse Iran of following a weapons program, but, they have shifted their stance following the NIE report.

Asked to comment on Iraq's security, Hakim said that great strides have been taken to improve the situation in Iraq after the ethnic Sunni Muslims realized that Al-Qaida is misleading their youth.

"Al-Anbar province which had fallen to the hands of Al-Qaida is currently run by Sunni Muslim tribesmen and enjoy almost full security," Hakim said.

He said that challenges between religious groups have subsided and that the government's security structures including the police force by recruiting tens of thousands of personnel are restoring law and order to the country.

He said that the special attention paid by Iraq's neighboring states to the country's security was an effective factor in this respect, citing the fatwa issued by the religious leaders of Egypt and Saudi Arabia to denounce the Salafis (groups) for fomenting terrorism in Iraq.

Meantime, Iran's Ambassador to Baghdad Hassan Kazemi Qomi said on Sunday that no date has been set yet for the fourth rounds of Iran-US talks on Iraq's security. Qomi said an Iranian delegation is now in talks with Iraqi officials to set a timetable for the next round of talks.

Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said on Saturday that his country appreciates Iran's assistance. "I believe Iran's support for Iraq should be appreciated," Zebari said prior to a meeting with an Iranian delegation. Zebari, welcoming the Iranian delegation, said, "Iran's support for promotion of democracy in Iraq will play an effective role in this respect."

Previous Stories:
  U.S.-Iran to hold more Iraq security talks   (12/11/2007)
  Iran urges stronger ties with Iraq, withdrawal of US   (11/14/2007)
  Mottaki: US is aware of consequences of military attacks on Iran   (10/23/2007)

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