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Iran urges normalization of ties with Saudi Arabia

Xinhua, August 3, 2015 Adjust font size:

Iran and Saudi Arabia have potentials to normalize bilateral relations and to interact constructively over the regional issues, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was quoted as saying by Alalam Arabic language satellite channel on Monday.

"We believe that the coercive policies of Saudi Arabia to solve regional issues, particularly those of Yemen, are strategic mistake," Amir-Abdollahian said.

"Although we do not agree with these policies of Saudi Arabia, we think bilateral relations should be normalized," he said.

Tehran and Riyadh should start "straightforward, effective and constructive talks to fight terrorism and extremism and to restore security and stability to the region," Amir-Abdollahian said.

The Iranian official added that Iran has condemned the attacks by Saudi-led coalition on Yemen and political dialogue is the only way out of current situation in the Arab state.

Saudi Arabia has long accused Iran of arming and financing Houthi Shiite fighters, an accusation strongly rejected by Tehran.

A Saudi-led coalition has waged an air war on Houthi rebels since late March in an effort to restore the authority of exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who is now based in Riyadh.

The airstrikes and fighting between warring parties in Yemen have left almost 4,000 people killed and thousands wounded, while more than one million people were displaced. Endit