Update: Iran says ready to talk with U.S. on Iraq

[Coexist]

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-03/16/content_4310180.htm
<snip>
TEHRAN, March 16 (Xinhuanet) -- Iran is willing to negotiate with the Unite States on Iraqi issues now, the country's senior official said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters after making a speech to parliament, AliLarijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said "We will accept the proposal to help resolve the problems in Iraq and establish an independent government there as it was made by Mr. Hakim, a top Islamic leader in Iraq."

Three months after elections, negotiations on forming a power-sharing government have been in deadlock in Iraq and the country is now at the brink of a civil war.

Iraqi Shi'ite leader Abdul Aziz al-Hakim had called on Shi'it Iran to help solve the disputes, and Tehran had previously said that it was not interested in getting involved unless U.S. troops pull out of Iraq.


http://www.timesleader.com/mld/timesleader/14112907.htm
<snip>
U.S. willing to talk with Iran about IraqAssociated Press

WASHINGTON - The United States said Thursday it was prepared to talk with Iran about Iraq, but said any discussions must be restricted to that topic and not include other contentious subjects like Tehran's suspected nuclear weapons program.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, is authorized to talk with Iran about Iraq, much as the United States has talked with Iran about issues relating to Afghanistan, White House press secretary Scott McClellan said.
"But this is a very narrow mandate dealing specifically with issues relating to Iraq," McClellan said. U.S. concerns about Iran's nuclear program are being dealt with at the United Nations. "That's a separate issue from this," McClellan said.

The White House statement came after Ali Larijani, Iran's top nuclear negotiator and secretary of the country's Supreme National Security Council, said Tehran was ready to open direct talks with the United States over Iraq, marking a major shift in Iranian foreign policy.

[wordpix2]

1. good news-maybe one side will offer other to share his sandbox

;)

[Coexist]

2. doesn anyone else think these talks about "Iraq" will include

discussion on the nuclear program?

I find it interesting that after these talks were announced Bush came out with a "strike first" paper. Now he can look like his tough talk forced Iran's hand.

[sutz12]

3. That's what I was thinking....

much like how we 'cowed' Libya into submission. They actually think their drunk cowboy lynch'em strategy is working. :puke:

[Coexist]

4. I'm thinking of sexing up the title

to add that - because that was my first thought when I saw the article.

[BushOut06]

5. Yep - I don't know what's worse

Going to war with Iran, or Bush "claiming victory".

No, that's wrong - obviously we all want to see a peaceful resolution, even if it does give BushCo a "moral victory".

[Coexist]

6. He is allowed to claim victory if it will save lives

I don't care.