Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki met with Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Haj Hamoud to discuss bilateral relations between the neighboring countries.

Mottaki hailed Iraqi political and military developments, saying the situation in Iraq suggests there is no longer a need for the Chapter VII mandate, adding these developments could open a new chapter for Iran-Iraq relations, a statement on the Web site of the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.

"A secure, independent, and developed Iraq would benefit the entire region, including the Islamic Republic of Iran," Mottaki said.

A Chapter VII resolution gives the U.N. Security Council the authority to determine security threats to a region and sanctions the use of military force to restore peace and security.

Officials from both countries also discussed in a separate meeting the demarcation of the Iran-Iraq border, specifically the Shatt-al Arab river, a main point of contention leading to a major war between the two countries in the 1980s.

© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.