FM: Iran's Caucasus diplomacy is not a mediation act

Tbilisi, Sept 18, IRNA Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki after meeting with his Georgian counterpart here Wednesday told reporters that Iran's Caucasus diplomacy is not a mediation act.

Mottaki and his Georgian Foreign Minister Eka Tkeshelashvili on
Wednesday discussed the latest events in the Caucasus region and
exchanged views on ways to accomplish peace and stability in the region.

Referring to events in the region, Mottaki said, "Recent bitter events
made us concerned, so we are trying to establish peace and security in
the region and we believe that the role of regional diplomacy in this
concern is very important."
He said Iran is ready to help solve current crisis adding that
managing the issue through diplomatic consultations can serve people
of the region.

Iran's top diplomat also expressed Tehran's readiness to activate
joint commission between Iran and Georgia.

Georgian FM, for her part, by referring to the role of neighbors in
helping restoration of security and stability in the region said,
"Iran and other neighbors' role in materializing security and
stability in the region is very important."
She praised Iran for its efforts to establish stability in the region
and its respect for other countries sovereignty.

Answering questions like; whether Iran's government recognizes South
Ossetia and Abkhazia or not and whether Iran intends to play a role of
mediator between Moscow and Tbilisi? Mottaki replied " Tehran is
considering all dimension of the crisis."
He added, "Our work is not mediation, but presenting ideas can help
find a solution to the crisis."
Mottaki arrived in Tbilisi on Wednesday in the framework of regional
consultations.

He had already visited Moscow and Baku for consultation on Caucasus
issue and helping restoration of peace and stability in the region.