STATEMENT BY DR. HAMIDREZA ASSEFI,
SPOKERSPERSON

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tehran, Iran

25 June 2001

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Dr. Hamidreza Assefi said, "The Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly stressed that it is ready to take necessary steps to find a solution to the problems if the Iraqi leaders show their political will."

Speaking to reporters during a news briefing on Monday Dr. Assefi said "lack of cooperation on part of the Iraqi officials" is the main cause behind a halt in exchange of POWs between the two countries.

"If the Iraqi government intimates its readiness, the Iranian government is ready to cooperate in this field as it has thus far shown its goodwill," he said.