'Iran wants to hold ambassadorial-level talks with US over Iraq'

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Iran wants to renew high-level talks with US officials on security in Iraq, insisting that discussions take place between ambassadors and not lower-level functionaries, Iraqi officials said. The Iranians also want a clear-cut agenda for the meeting, which the American side has not yet provided, according to Sami al-Askari, an adviser to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and a member of parliament. Three Iraqi officials confirmed his account Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak to the media. In Washington, the State Department said three-way talks including Iraq were likely to be held in a couple of weeks. Spokesman Tom Casey said that "as always, the talks would be restricted to issues related to Iraq's security." He said Iraq is eager to hold another round and is working on a date.