Iranian envoy in Greece to discuss nuclear issues

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hamid Reza Asefi will discuss his country's nuclear program with Greece's foreign minister during a brief visit to Athens on Nov. 17, the Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

No details of Asefi's planned talks with Dora Bakoyannis were made available, but Greece has in the past been an informal channel of communication between Iran and the United States.

"This meeting is taking place at the request of the Iranian side. I don't have any further information about it and I don't know what will be discussed," Foreign Ministry spokesman Giorgos Koumoutsakos said.

He added that traditionally good relations between the two countries will also be discussed by Asefi, who also serves as a spokesman, as will developments in the Middle East.

AP