Meeting with Iran on hold, says US ambassador

Washington, Apr 10: A meeting with Iran to discuss its role in Iraq will not be held until the formation of a government in Baghdad, said the US ambassador to Iraq yesterday.

Shi'ite, Kurdish and Sunni leaders are struggling to form a unity government they hope can avert civil war but there are no signs of immediate resolution.

''What we have decided is not to hold the meeting until the Iraqi government is formed,'' said U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad on ''Fox News Sunday.'' ''We do not want to give the impression that the United States is sitting with Iran to decide about the Iraqi government. The Iraqis will decide that.'' Khalilzad will represent the United States at the meeting.

Washington accuses Tehran of fomenting Shi'ite violence in Iraq. Tehran denies the charge and blames bloodshed on the invasion and occupation by US-led forces. The United States also accuses Iran of wanting to build a nuclear bomb, which Iran also denies.

Iranian officials have said the talks would cover only Iraq, not Iran's nuclear programme or other areas of dispute with Washington.

REUTERS

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