Iran official says fresh round of Tehran-Riyadh talks on agenda

Spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Saeed Khatibzadeh announced here on Monday that future round of talks between Tehran and Riyadh to be hosted by Baghdad is on the agenda.

Despite disputed cases, sustainable relations and negotiations have been continued with effort and frankness, Khatibzadeh told reporters in his weekly press briefing in Tehran.

Referring to foreign interference in Lebanon's affairs, Khatibzadeh said all should respect the country's sovereignty while taking into consideration the interests of all ethnic groups. 

He also said that the Islamic Republic of Iran makes effort to create close relations among Lebanese groups.

Asked about the trip made by the Saudi delegation to Vienna where Iran-4+1 talks are underway, the spokesman said that delegations come and go to the Austrian capital and that such meetings are not limited to the Saudis.

Also about the visit of Taliban delegation to Tehran, Khatibzadeh said good talks were held in Iran and effort to form an inclusive government in Afghanistan was welcomed.

An Afghan delegation headed by acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan's Taliban Amir Khan Muttaqi traveled to Iran on Saturday and held talks with senior Iranian officials including Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian.

Elsewhere, Khatibzadeh talked of the Foreign Ministry's stance on Taliban and said "we're not at a point of officially recognizing Taliban."

Speaking about the situation in Yemen, the spokesman advised the Arab coalition to go back from the wrong way and take up a political approach.

Turning to the issue of Vienna talks, the spokesman said that South Korea's debt to Iran does not relate to the talks.

He went on to say that the visit of South Korean deputy foreign minister to Vienna Was initiated by Seoul; meanwhile, the country is obliged to pay its debt back to Iran.

What happens in Vienna will indicate whether the other side has the needed will or not, Khatibzadeh stressed.

Iran is after a sustainable and reliable agreement, he underlined.

Referring to the US 2018 unilateral withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the spokesman said all should be assured that US return to the deal will be accompanied by due guarantees and verification after removal of the sanctions.

Iran will accept no other issue beyond the JCPOA, he noted.

As he underlined, Iran and the United States through unofficial texts have already expressed their opinions about removal of the sanctions, verification after lifting of the sanctions, and nuclear commitments.

In the talks, "we're neither pessimist nor optimist; we negotiate based on reality," he stressed.

At his remarks, the spokesman also talked on the trip of Iran's wrestling team to the US and said the Iranian team will make the trip at the invitation of the US.

He further said politicizing the sports events is not a correct measure.

Elsewhere, he announced that the Iranian foreign minister is planned to visit Beijing at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart in coming days.

News ID 193492

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