TEHRAN -- Majlis Speaker Mahdi Karrubi and visiting Norwegian Head of Parliament Foreign Policy Committee Thorbjorn Jagland conferred here Tuesday on Tehran-Oslo ties and international developments, notably Iraq and the Palestinian crisis.

Karrubi briefed the Norwegian official on political and economic situation of the country and called for expansion of bilateral ties, IRNA reported. He voiced the Majlis support for the President Mohammad Khatami's foreign policy "which is based on détente and bolstering of relations, notably with the European Union (EU)." He alluded the Majlis important place within the democratic countries, adding "We regard parliamentary relations as the complementary and guaranteeing factor in keeping governmental ties among the nations." Karrubi further described the Middle East situation as "complicated" but "resolvable." Only a just peace, which incorporates the restoration of the Palestinian rights, can forge tranquility in the region and "the influential nations in the regions should refrain from one-sided actions and support of violent aggression."

"Tehran believes that Europe can play an important role in settlement of the crisis," he underlined.

Jagland lauded the "important" and "constructive" role of Iran in establishing stability in the region, notably in Afghanistan. Iran due to its ancient history, large area, and ample economic resources occupies a special place in the Muslim word he said adding, "Iran can play a pivotal role in resolution of the Palestinian crisis and the Iraqi issue." He said, "We believe that any policy vis-a-vis Iraq has to be under the UN auspices, otherwise, Norway will refrain from any participation."

As sign of growing ties between Tehran and Oslo, Deputy Foreign Minister for Euro-American Affairs Ali Ahani met Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vida Helgesen in Oslo on Tuesday.

The two officials expressed satisfaction on the new and positive atmosphere between Tehran and Oslo and conferred on bilateral ties and international developments. He also said that other areas of cooperation include fisheries, environment and industries, adding, "grounds are prepared for expansion of cooperation in parliamentary, judicial, scientific and academic areas."

"Given the atrocities committed by Israel on the Palestinians, a strong response by the international community is necessary," Ahani said.

Helgesen welcomed the expansion of ties with Iran as an important OPEC member and pointed to the solid cooperation in the world oil markets between Iran and Norway as a non-OPEC member.

Helgesen also highlighted Iran's role in its anti-drug trafficking and welcoming Afghans refugees and said that his country is prepared to cooperate with Iran on the Afghan reconstruction drive.

Iran and Norway have voiced opposition to any 'unilateral action' against Iraq amid U.S. threats to oust President Saddam Hossein from power.