Iran envoy Larijani in Saudi for nuclear talks

RIYADH, Feb 14 (Reuters) Iran's top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani arrived in Saudi Arabia today for talks expected to cover Iran's nuclear energy programme, which is opposed by the West and Saudi Arabia, Iranian media said.

''Sources in Saudi Arabia said the aim of this visit is to exchange views over Iran's nuclear issue and the recent changes in the region ... Larijani will leave Riyadh this evening,'' Iran's official IRNA news agency said.

Saudi sources said they were expecting his arrival.

The United States and its regional allies including Israel and Saudi Arabia suspect Iran's nuclear energy programme aims to develop weapons, a charge Tehran denies.

Larijani was in Riyadh last month for talks with Saudi officials which also covered Iran's role in Iraq, where Saudi Arabia blames Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias for sectarian killings of Sunni Iraqis.

''They (the Iranians) expressed recently their anxiety about possible efforts to divide the Muslim world between Sunnis and Shi'ites and this is something that we are anxious about,'' Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal said earlier today.

He made no reference to Larijani's unannounced visit. ''We look forward to agreements and action on the ground to see what both countries can do to prevent it,'' he said.

Reuters KR DB2304