TEHRAN -- Visiting British Foreign Office Minister Mike O'Brien yesterday conferred with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for European and U.S. Affairs Ali Ahani.

In the meeting, Ahani referred to the latest developments in Iraq and reiterated the government's position that Iraq's territorial integrity must be preserved.

According to a report released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry's Media Department, at the meeting O'Brien expressed satisfaction over his visit to Tehran and underscored Britain's interest in broadening ties with Iran in all fields.

Referring to the fall of the Baath regime in Iraq, he said that Britain believes the UN should have a decisive role in deciding on the next regime that will rule Iraq, IRNA reported.

He also added that Britain respects Iraq's territorial integrity and freeing that country from being used as terrorist base.

"Iraq will no longer be a threat to its neighboring states," he added.

The Iranian and British delegation underscored establishment of a democratic government in Iraq and that the 1975 treaty between Iran and Iraq is the basis for resolving border issues between the two countries.

Head of Parliamentary Commission for Foreign Affairs Mohsen Mirdamadi voiced concern about installing a U.S. Army general as ruler in Iraq and described it as an affront to the Iraqi nation.

He recommended that the example of Afghanistan to be followed in Iraq for setting up national government and said that Afghan Interim Administration (AIA) has been successful in running the country.

O'Brien said that the U.S. army general's rule will last only for 90 days and that the government will be handed over to the Iraqi people themselves.

The British minister pointed to Iran-U.S. relations and said that Washington does not want to create problem for Iran and is willing to reach settlement with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

O'Brien conveyed the U.S. concern about Iranian nuclear program and recommended that Iran sign the additional protocol to Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Iran has lodged complaint with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) against the agency's failure to honor its obligation envisaged in IAEA charter according to which the agency is responsible for offering technical assistance to the NPT signatory states to utilize nuclear energy for civilian application.

Iran is considering signing the additional protocol to NPT on condition that IAEA undertakes to provide Iran with technical aid to to generate electricity for a population of 65 million.

The additional protocol to NPT guarantees IAEA's free access to the nuclear sites without prior notice. Iranian nuclear facilities in Bushehr, Arak and Natanz have always been open to IAEA inspections.

Mirdamadi told O'Brien that respective decision making bodies are expected to decide about Iran-U.S. relations.