Iraq international talks 'positive'

Updated 23.59 Sat Mar 10 2007

Keywords: US, talks, violence, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Britain

High level talks over the future of Iraq have been described as 'positive'.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari said the conference on Iraqi security attended by delegates from the US, Iran and Syria had achieved good results.

"The meeting was constructive and positive in fact in its atmosphere and the composition" - Iraqi foreign minister Hoshiyar Zebari

He said: "The meeting was constructive and positive in fact in its atmosphere and the composition. The issues discussed in the meeting were totally focused on Iraq's security and stability."

The talks were aimed at stopping the sectarian fighting which has ravaged Iraq since the US-led invasion, and which the US claims has been fuelled by the support of Syria and Iran.

Tens of thousands have already been killed and some two million have been driven abroad since a US-led invasion four years ago toppled Saddam Hussein.

But the meeting was also seen as a rare opportunity for US and Iranian officials to sit down together as tension grows over Iran's nuclear aims.

Zebari said: "Another point that was positive and constructive was the interaction that occurred between the US and British delegations, and the delegation of the Islamic Republic (Iran) and the Arab Syrian Republic.

"The dialogue was constructive and the discussions focused on the cooperation of all parties for the achievement of a secure and stable Iraq.

"There was direct exchange and meeting and discussions and consultations sometimes between the American and Iranian delegations."

Earlier, two blasts thought to be caused by mortars landing in Baghdad's Green Zone rocked the building where the talks were taking place.