Iran offers to train Iraqi forces
Mon, 28 May 2007
Iran' ambassador to Iraq has offered weapons and training to the Iraqi army, stating the US has not been able to help Baghdad defend itself.
"The Iraqi government is in need of strong military and security structure to confront its security problems and we have offered all forms of assistance such as weapons, training and equipment," Hassan Kazemi Qomi said following a meeting with his US counterpart.
While describing the meeting, the first of its kind in nearly three decades, as "positive", Kazemi Qomi told US ambassador Ryan Crocker that the Iraqi army was not receiving the weapons it needed, AFP reported.
Crocker, for his part, reiterated US accusations that the Iranians were funneling weapons and sophisticated explosives to Iraq's militias.
"The negotiations today were an important first step between the two sides," Kazemi Qomi told reporters. "The Iraqi government said it will invite the two sides to resume negotiations and we received this proposal positively."
Kazemi Qomi, however, added that he would have to consult with Tehran first, and one of his assistants said no date had been set for the follow-up meeting. "If it is possible, it will happen," the assistant said.
Crocker earlier pointed out that further meetings were not necessarily the solution to Iraq's continuing crisis.
"The Iraqi government is in need of strong military and security structure to confront its security problems and we have offered all forms of assistance such as weapons, training and equipment," Hassan Kazemi Qomi said following a meeting with his US counterpart.
While describing the meeting, the first of its kind in nearly three decades, as "positive", Kazemi Qomi told US ambassador Ryan Crocker that the Iraqi army was not receiving the weapons it needed, AFP reported.
Crocker, for his part, reiterated US accusations that the Iranians were funneling weapons and sophisticated explosives to Iraq's militias.
"The negotiations today were an important first step between the two sides," Kazemi Qomi told reporters. "The Iraqi government said it will invite the two sides to resume negotiations and we received this proposal positively."
Kazemi Qomi, however, added that he would have to consult with Tehran first, and one of his assistants said no date had been set for the follow-up meeting. "If it is possible, it will happen," the assistant said.
Crocker earlier pointed out that further meetings were not necessarily the solution to Iraq's continuing crisis.
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