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Diplomacy in Action

Middle East Digest - February 17, 2009


February 17, 2009

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The Middle East Digest provides text and audio from the Daily Press Briefing. For the full briefings, please visit daily press briefings.

From the Daily Press Briefing of February 17, 2009

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QUESTION: I have a question on Iran. The Iranian defense minister is in Russia and – to press for the sale of air defense missiles. Do you know if, when Ambassador Burns was in Moscow last week, this was brought up? Russia said it’s not going to sell such systems to troubled regions, whereas it doesn’t consider Iran a troubled region or country. Do you know anything about this? Did Ambassador Burns --

MR. DUGUID: I don’t know that this particular issue was raised, no.

QUESTION: The Iraqi foreign minister has said today that Baghdad is ready to host any possible discussions or negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. What do you think about this offer?

MR. DUGUID: It will, of course, be looked at seriously. I’m sure we are reviewing our policy towards Iran, and a wide range of views is being taken into consideration on that policy. I don’t – I did not hear this particular offer mentioned in any of the conversations I had this morning, so I have to leave it at that. Thank you.

DPB # 24

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