Cameron Meets Rouhani: Iran Part of Solution to Fight ISIL in Syria

Local Editor

UK Prime Minister David Cameron met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in New York, signaling a thaw between the two countries.

Rouhani announced the meeting on his Twitter feed. It's the first between leaders of the countries since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

Both men are in New York for a United Nations meeting, and the city is also hosting the latest round of nuclear talks between the Islamic Republic and world powers including Britain. Diplomats from both sides say the session may be crucial to prospects of reaching an accord before the November deadline.

Addressing the 69th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, Cameron said Iran "could be part of the solution" in defeating the terrorist group.

"Iran's leaders could help in defeating the threat from ISIL," Cameron said.

The British premier added that Iranian authorities "could help secure a more stable, inclusive Iraq, and a more stable, inclusive Syria," and urged the international community to welcome actions on the part of Iran to combat the Takfiri militants.

Cameron noted that the international coalition against the threat imposed by ISIL must be inclusive. He also said he will hold a parliamentary debate Friday to discuss a possible British involvement in airstrikes against the ISIL positions in Iraq.

The UK parliament is expected to be recalled on Friday to discuss taking part in military action in Iraq.

Hundreds of Britons are believed to be fighting for ISIL in Syria and Iraq.

Interviewed on NBC News, Cameron said the ISIL group posed a direct threat to Britain.
'These people want to kill us,' he said. They've got us in their sights and we have to put together this coalition ... to make sure that we ultimately destroy this evil organization.'

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team