Iran Seeks Key Role In Iraq Reconstruction

2 August 2004 -- A two-day conference ended today in Tehran with the resolve to increase trade ties with Iraq and a pledge for a key role in the reconstruction of its neighbor.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad Hussein Adeli told the Conference on Opportunities for Iran-Iraq Economic Cooperation that Iran could help Iraq export its crude oil, modernize its oil industry, carry out infrastructure projects and increase trade exchange.

Iran's official news agency, IRNA, quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad Sadr as saying Iran will not let its differences with Washington interfere with its relations with Iraq.

Iranian Economy Minister Safdar Hosseini said yesterday that Iran has allocated a $300 million credit for Iraq's reconstruction.

(AP)