Britain calls on Iran to play positive role in Mideast

LONDON, Feb 22 (KUNA) -- British Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt held talks with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on bilateral issues, including Iran nuclear deal and the British dual nationals detained in Iran.
During the talks, held at the Foreign Office here yesterday, the two sides also discussed Iran's role in the Middle East, according to a statement released by the Office on Thursday.
"Continuing constructive engagement with Iran is vital on issues ranging from the preservation of the Iran nuclear deal to the ongoing detention of British dual nationals in Iran," the statement said. "The Foreign Secretary had useful meetings on these areas when he visited Tehran in December last year, and it was good to have an opportunity to build on this with some positive discussions.
"Iran is, in addition, a pivotal actor in the wider Middle East. In my meetings I urged the Iranian government to play a more positive role in the region, particularly in the conflicts in Yemen and Syria," the statement quoted the Foreign Secretary as saying. (end) kd.gb