An Iranian soldier
Photo:
|
 |
Iran Ready to Train Iraq’s Army
Iran has offered assistance to train and arm security forces of Iraq. The respective statement was made by Iran’s Ambassador to Iraq Hassan Kazemi-Qomi.
Hassan Kazemi-Qomi said Tehran came up with the offer during the talks with the U.S. representatives dedicated to Iraq’s security. Iran stands ready to render all kinds of assistance, including cooperating and helping train and arm the security forces of Iraq.
A day before, the office of Iraq’s prime minister located in the so-called green area of Baghdad hosted negotiations of Iran and the United States first time in 25 years.
The talks were focused on sectarian violence in Iraq, omitting the tricky issue of Iran’s nuclear program. The negotiations were positive, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker said after the four-hour meeting with Iran’s Ambassador Hassan Kazemi-Qomi.
But to proceed with the dialog, the U.S. official made clear, Iraq should halt funding, training and arming the Shiite militants in Iraq.
Nevertheless, the recent talks could be regarded a real breakthrough in relations of both countries. Iran and Iraq broke the ties after Iran’s students captured the U.S. embassy in 1980 and held it till January 20, 1981.
www.kommersant.com
|
|
|
