2006/180

ACTIVITIES OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

TEHRAN, 2 September (UNIC)— Secretary-General Kofi Annan described his discussions with Iranian leaders in Tehran today as “very good and constructive.” He was talking to reporters after meeting for one hour and a half with Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Mr. Ali Larijani. The Secretary-General said:

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I have just had a very good and constructive discussion with Mr. Larijani. As you can imagine we discussed the nuclear issue as well as the many regional issues of concern to Iran and to the United Nations. I found the discussions helpful and it will come in handy as I move ahead with my work. And I need all the help I can because your region is keeping me and the United Nations very, very busy. Thank you very much, Mr. Larijani.”

 The Secretary-General had arrived in Tehran at 11:40 p.m. today and was greeted at the airport by the Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Abbas Araghchi.

At 2 p.m. the Secretary-General held talks with ForeignMinister Manouchehr Mottaki. (He was accompanied by his senior advisors Terje Roed Larsen, Vijay Nambiar and Michael Williams.) They held wide-ranging talks which included implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, the nuclear issue and human rights.

 At 4 p.m. the Secretary-General met the Chairman of the Expediency Council and former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. The Secretary-General reviewed the outcome of his visits to Lebanon, Israel and Syria. Their discussions also dealt with the nuclear agenda and Iran’s engagement with the international community.

Later this evening, Foreign Minister Mottaki will host a working dinner for the Secretary-General and his delegation.

The Secretary-General is expected to meet President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad tomorrow morning.

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