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Russia ready to invite Saudi, Iranian top diplomats to Moscow for talks - source

Russia has been always interested in "mutual understanding between Shiites and Sunnis and the unity of the Muslims world"

© Gennady Hamelyanin/TASS, archive

MOSCOW, January 4. /TASS/. Russia is ready to invite the Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers to Moscow for negotiations, a diplomatic source told TASS on Monday.

"We express sincere regrets over the escalation of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia," the source said. "Russia has always been in favor of dialogue and constructive contacts. Therefore, if partners in Riyadh and Tehran are interested in our role, we are ready to give mediator services to restore mutual understanding on all issues."

"We are ready to invite the Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers to Moscow," the source said. "If our partners in Iran and Saudi Arabia are ready and willing (to come), our initiative remains in force."

Russia has been always interested in "mutual understanding between Shiites and Sunnis and the unity of the Muslims world."

Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday it was severing ties with Iran after a mob of protesters angry with the kingdom's execution of prominent Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr attacked its embassy in Tehran. Riyadh told its diplomats to leave the Islamic Republic within 48 hours.

Western media reported on Monday that Bahrain followed Saudi Arabia in cutting ties with Iran.

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