Iran, NATO hold first talks in 30 yearsMarch 28, 2009 - 12:24 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An Iranian diplomat has held informal talks with NATO officials for the first time in 30 years. Senior NATO negotiator Martin Erdmann said he had met Iran's ambassador to the European Union, Ali-Asghar Khaji, more than two weeks ago. "This is another good step in engaging Iran in the international community," said Mr Erdmann. A NATO spokesman, James Appathurai, said the talks with Mr Khaji had concentrated on Afghanistan. Iranian diplomats have confirmed their attendance at US-backed talks on Afghanistan taking place at The Hague next week. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, as well as delegates from more than 80 countries, are due to attend the conference. "The fact that Iran has decided to go," said Mr Appathurai, "is good news and constitutes a new step." In Washington, a spokesman at the State Department, Gordon Duguid, also welcomed the Iranian decision to go to The Hague talks. "The Iranians will be around the table," said Mr Duguid. "We will hear their points of view and they will hear our points of view about Afghanistan." Some news reports have suggested that NATO countries with forces in Afghanistan might have an interest in using Iran as a supply route. Correspondents also point out that the opening of a dialogue between NATO and Iran comes as President Barack Obama has set new priorities for the United States in Afghanistan and weeks after he signaled a willingness to revitalize American relations with Tehran, BBC reports. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |