TEHRAN -- Deputy Foreign Minister on European and U.S. Affairs, Ali Ahani, has emphasized Iran's support for the Afghan Interim government, and strongly denied any connection between Iran and the Karine A ship, which was carrying 50 tons of weapons when it was intercepted in the Red Sea.

During a meeting he attended in Belgium with Xavier Solana, the EU's foreign policy chief, Ahani spoke on issues concerning Palestine, the Middle East and Afghanistan. He said that he has briefed Solana on Iran's efforts to establish stability in Afghanistan, its support of the interim government, and its contributions to Afghan reconstruction.

Meanwhile, in Ahani's meeting with the Speaker of the Belgian Parliament, Herman de Croo, de Croo underlined the need to continue the political and parliamentary consultations held between Belgium and Iran. He described his first visit to Tehran in November as "useful and constructive".

Also, the new President of the European Parliament (EP), Pat Cox, has called for direct contact between the EP and the Iranian Majlis in order to provide MEPs a better understanding of the realities and developments in Iran.

Meanwhile, a seminar on cooperation among Iran, and the European Union and Belgium will be organized in Brussels in March.

The seminar is organized under the joint initiative of the Belgian Foreign Ministry and the University of Liege.