Regional Nations Have Many Questions about Pakistan Conference

If issues raised at Pakistan conference are those mentioned by Mr. Pervez Musharraf, then all of us and regional nations have many questions about the meeting, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told reporters before leaving Tehran for Riyadh on Saturday. “The information released about the conference is not thorough, and we will certainly ask for the details and goals of the summit,” Ahmadinejad stressed.

He continued, “If the issues discussed at the summit are the same as those mentioned by Mr. Pervez Musharraf, then all of us and the entire regional nations have many questions about them, yet, I hope that their positions have been different” from those stated.

The president also reminded, “All of us should assist with Iraq’s security and we are ascertained that Iraqis can run their affairs very well by themselves.”

“As regards Lebanon, we seek independence and glory of that country based on what is demanded by the Lebanese people.

“If they ask us and Saudi Arabia for help, we will provide them with our assistance,” he continued.

Asked about his visit to Saudi Arabia, the president pointed out that expansion of ties with Islamic, independent and neighboring countries serves as a basic principle in the Islamic Republic’s foreign policy.

“Relations between the two great countries of Iran and Saudi Arabia have always been on the increase in recent years and we intend to further develop these ties,” he stated.

Noting his presence in the Mecca Summit, Ahmadinejad said, “When in Mecca, Malik Abdallah extended an invitation to me to pay a visit to Saudi Arabia, but despite frequent arrangements, the visit was postponed several ties.”

“This is a working trip during which the two sides are scheduled to discuss regional, bilateral and multilateral issues as well as the Muslim world and international topics,” he concluded.