This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/6696971.stm

The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 8 Version 9
US-Iran talks on Iraq 'positive' US-Iran talks on Iraq 'positive'
(40 minutes later)
The first bilateral public talks between the US and Iran for almost 30 years have been described by the US as "positive" and "businesslike".The first bilateral public talks between the US and Iran for almost 30 years have been described by the US as "positive" and "businesslike".
Iraq's security was the only item on the agenda at the four-hour talks hosted by the Iraqi premier in Baghdad. Iraq's security was the only item on the agenda at the talks in Baghdad.
US envoy Ryan Crocker said there was general agreement on policy towards Iraq but said what was needed next was "Iranian action on the ground". US envoy Ryan Crocker said afterwards there was broad agreement on policy towards Iraq but that "Iranian action on the ground" was needed next.
He said he told Iran it needed to stop arming militia groups in Iraq. He had called on Tehran to stop arming militants in Iraq but said his Iranian counterpart had rejected the charge.
The talks come a day after Tehran said it had uncovered several spy networks run by the US and its allies inside Iran. Mr Crocker said he had spelt out Washington's concerns about alleged Iranian support for insurgents in Iraq that have been attacking Iraqi security forces and coalition troops.
Iranian authorities have summoned the Swiss ambassador to demand an explanation of the networks, which Iranian TV said were seeking to commit "infiltration and sabotage". He said the arming of the militia groups needed to cease and that the US would "be looking for results".
Switzerland represents US interests in Iran. The Iranian nation has taken another step forward and, God willing, more giant strides are awaiting Mahmoud AhmadinejadIranian President
The White House said it did not confirm or deny allegations about intelligence matters. Mr Crocker said the US and Iran and agreed that "a secure, stable, democratic Iraq at peace with its neighbours" was in both their interests.
'A good chapter' However, he went on to say that there was a clear contradiction between Iran's policy and its behaviour "on the ground".
He said he also rejected statements by the Iranians criticising the presence of US-led forces in Iraq and the attempt to create a viable Iraqi security force.
He pointed out that the troops were in Iraq at the invitation of the country's government and that the US was training and equipping "an increasingly capable set of Iraqi security forces".
The Iranian-US meeting was the first formal bilateral meeting since the two countries broke off relations in 1980, after the Iranian revolution and the seizure of the US embassy in Tehran.The Iranian-US meeting was the first formal bilateral meeting since the two countries broke off relations in 1980, after the Iranian revolution and the seizure of the US embassy in Tehran.
Crocker and Qomi are representing their countries in BaghdadThe US has backed away from the conditions it first set for such a meeting, says the BBC's Paul Reynolds - which included support from Tehran for the government in Baghdad. The US has backed away from the conditions it first set for such a meeting, says the BBC's Paul Reynolds - which included support from Tehran for the government in Baghdad.
Ahead of the meeting, the Iraqi prime minister described the event as "the beginning of a good chapter and an important step for the region".
Mr Maliki said any progress made would "enhance the bridges of trust" between the US and Iran and "create a positive atmosphere" that would help them deal with other issues.
In Tehran, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told state radio that the fact the US now wanted to talk to Iran about Iraq was a sign of progress.
"The Iranian nation has taken another step forward and, God willing, more giant strides are awaiting," he said.
Mr Crocker said he had pressed claims that Iran is supporting Shia and Sunni militias attacking US and British forces in Iraq, by supplying them with bomb-making equipment and training.
'Soured relations''Soured relations'
Ahead of the meeting, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told state radio that the fact the US now wanted to talk to Iran about Iraq was a sign of progress.
Crocker and Qomi represented their countries in Baghdad"The Iranian nation has taken another step forward and, God willing, more giant strides are awaiting," he said.
Iran's position on the talks was been dictated by the country's ultimate authority - Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Iran's position on the talks was been dictated by the country's ultimate authority - Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
He said the aim of the meeting was to remind the American occupiers of Iraq that they had a legal responsibility to bring security to the country. Tehran was also expected to call for a timetable for a US withdrawal from Iraq. He said the aim of the meeting was to remind the American "occupiers" of Iraq that they had a legal responsibility to bring security to the country.
Ayatollah Khamenei says the US government is colonial, bullying, arrogant and expansionist.Ayatollah Khamenei says the US government is colonial, bullying, arrogant and expansionist.
The BBC's Frances Harrison in Tehran says that although the talks were symbolically important, there was little chance of any dramatic breakthrough.
The talks come at a time of growing tensions between Washington and Tehran over a range of issues, including Iran's continuing defiance of international pressure and sanctions over its nuclear programme.The talks come at a time of growing tensions between Washington and Tehran over a range of issues, including Iran's continuing defiance of international pressure and sanctions over its nuclear programme.
The nuclear issue will not be under discussion at these talks. The nuclear issue was not discussed at these talks.
Another source of tension has been the recent arrests in Iran of a number of Iranian Americans. Tehran accuses them of spying and says US intelligence is trying to undermine the Islamic authorities.Another source of tension has been the recent arrests in Iran of a number of Iranian Americans. Tehran accuses them of spying and says US intelligence is trying to undermine the Islamic authorities.
On Sunday, Tehran said it had uncovered several spy networks run by the US and its allies inside Iran and summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents US interests in Iran, for an explanation.
The White House said it did not confirm or deny allegations about intelligence matters.