Baghdad talks will be historic
Al-Sheikh, while pointing out Iran’s request of Iraq to hold its negotiations with the P5+1, stated, “As soon as we received this request, we sent our positive response. I personally delivered the Iraqi Foreign Minister’s positive response to Iran’s Foreign Minister. Our Foreign Minister also met with the European parties and declared Baghdad’s readiness to hold these talks. “
Iraq’s ambassador to Tehran reiterated the importance of these talks on May 23rd by saying, “The importance of these talks, if not more, is not less than the Arab League Summit. We believe that these meetings and dialogues can reduce the crisis in the region and Iraq’s role in this regard will certainly be positive. “
While mentioning his meetings with Iranian officials regarding Iran and P5+1 talks, he stated, “Considering the statements made by Iranian officials, I understand that there is a serious determination on Iran’s part to achieve positive results. Certainly, this approach conforms with our view, for we do not want to be witness to a crisis between Iran and other countries. Any crisis in the region will affect Iraq and other countries. “
In response to the question, “Has Iraq proposed any ideas, in context and in form, to be able to insure further progress with these talks?” Al-Sheikh replied, “We have emphasized in our meetings with the European parties that mutual trust must be built in order to resolve this issue. We seek positive and hopeful results.”
While stating that they have transmitted their complete belief, based on their understanding of positions and statements made by the Supreme Leader and other Iranian officials, to Europeans that Iran has never intended and does not intend to have atomic weapons because of spiritual and religious reasons, he added, “Europeans and the West must comprehend this issue that, based on religion, the issue of moving towards nuclear weapons is not acceptable for Iran and it will never move in that direction. Iran has good intentions in this regard.”
Al-Sheikh further noted, “Based on our discussions with Iran and European countries, we feel that both sides have a strong will to reach positive results, more than before, and I do believe that an agreement will be reached at the end of the Baghdad talks.”
On the selection of Baghdad by Iran as the venue for negotiations, Al-Sheikh said, “Iraq is moving towards progress and development and has detached itself from its former position. Iraq and Iran have vast borders and Iraq has good relations with countries surrounding Iran and this is a positive point for Iraq. Iraq’s policy is to reduce crises in the region so that we can have a tranquil region filled with peace and security. Iraq believes that dialogue is the best way to solve problems. That is why we accepted as soon as we were asked to hold negotiations in Baghdad.
While referring to the fact that Iran and the U.S. had held rounds of negotiations on the situation in Iraq in Baghdad, and that there will be negotiations between Iran and the U.S. along with other members of the Security Council and the E.U.’s representative this time, the Ambassador said, “We have always believed and still believe that the best method to resolve disputes is to have dialogue without preconditions. Potential meetings between Iran and the U.S. can produce good results for Iraq, the region and the world, and can also be considered an important step in the upcoming U.S. elections.