Iran Press/ Middle East: Addressing a gathering of 40 elites, university professors and intellectuals in Lebanon's Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut on Monday, Ali Larijani said Iran is ready for talks and a few days ago Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif stated that he is ready to negotiate with Saudi Arabia.
"We are in close proximity to a number of Arab countries and we share common ideas with them, said Larijani, adding: "We do not accept cutting off ties, and believe that misunderstandings can be resolved through dialogue."
"We may disagree on some areas, but this is not enmity. For example, we emphasize democracy, and some Arab countries may not, but this should not be grounds for hostility," he added.
"Some Arab countries have been deceived by the United States, and their money and oil is being taken away," the Speaker said. "Iran opposes this situation but it is not the Arab states’ enemy."
Larijani concluded: "We do not run away from dialogue, but others avoid it. The US is exerting pressure on them not to talk to Iran. At the same time, some of them have been talking to us and cooperating in secret, but openly speaking against Iran."
Larijani, who arrived in Beirut on Monday from Damascus, is scheduled to meet with a number of senior Lebanese parliamentarians and political leaders, especially, Nabih Berri, in his two-day trip to the country.
214
Read More:
Iran open to negotiations with Saudi Arabia: Larijani
Iran welcomes Saudi diplomatic engagement offer
Iran welcomes efforts to mediate talks with Saudis ahead of Imran Khan visit
