DUBAI: Iranian Foreign Minister Manoucher Mottaki and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice could meet on the sidelines of the ongoing Sharm el-Sheikh conference on Iraq.

After considerable internal debate, the Iranians decided to participate in the conference. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari had visited Iran to persuade the Iranians to attend. Iran's National Security Council chief Ali Larijani had also visited Baghdad and Najaf, ahead of the meeting.

Analysts point out that the Iranians wanted the release of five of their nationals who had been seized by the Americans from an Iranian diplomatic facility in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil. However, it was finally decided that it would be counterproductive to boycott the conference, despite the American non-compliance to their demand.

It was felt that by being present at the conference, Iranian officials could put up a strong defence against possible western accusations that Tehran was handing over militants weapons and explosives that were being used to kill American and British troops in Iraq.

The Iranians were also of the view that their presence would encourage Iraq to defend a possible attempt by key Sunni dominated countries to push substantial changes in the existing power sharing clauses in the Iraqi constitution. Many Sunnis, inside Iraq and abroad, feel that the present constitution has marginalised them.

Besides, Iranian media is reporting behind the scenes activity that could encourage the release of some of the detained Iranians. According to the Iranian website Baztab, detained American Robert Levinson was turned over to American officials within the last 24-hours.

Prior to the conference, Ms. Rice said she would not avoid meeting Mr. Mottaki. "I think I can handle any question that is asked of me," she said. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he would welcome an "honest dialogue" with the U.S. at Sharm el- Sheikh.

After a gap of two years, Ms. Rice is expected to hold talks with her Syrian counterpart Walid al-Moualem on the sidelines of the conference. The high- powered meeting at Sharm el- Sheikh has been convened to endorse a five-year International Compact for Iraq (ICI). Under this plan, Iraq will undertake reforms to promote national reconciliation, in return for financial assistance.

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