Iranian Minister, Shyam Saran holds talks

New Delhi, Aug 29: Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mehdi Safari today met Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran and held talks with other senior officials of the External Affairs Ministry on the crucial issues of Iran's nuclear standoff with the international community and the tri-nation gas pipeline project.

The Indian side at the official-level discussions held at the Hyderabad House was led by Mr Rajiv Sikri, Secretary (East) in the External Affairs Ministry.

Mr Mehdi Safari, who arrived here this morning on a two-day visit, explained about the peaceful nature of Tehran's nuclear programme.

Iran has been given upto August 31 by the UN to suspend its nuclear fuel enrichment programme or face sanctions.

The visit comes more than a month after Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki cancelled his tour to India because of the war in Lebanon. The Iranian Foreign Minister was scheduleed to come to India on July 19 for three days.

UNI

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