Germany Calls On Iran, Saudi To Mend Ties

Protesters upset over the execution of a Shiite cleric in Saudi Arabia set fires to the Saudi embassy in Tehran.
Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016

Germany has called on Saudi Arabia and Iran to mend ties after Riyadh cut diplomatic relations with Tehran.

Government spokesman Steffen Seibert says Germany appeals "to both countries, Saudi Arabia and Iran, to use all possibilities to improve their bilateral relations."

Saudi Arabia cut ties after Iran protested its execution of a prominent opposition Shiite cleric and crowds attacked its diplomatic posts in the Islamic Republic.

Seibert told reporters in Berlin on Monday that "relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran are of fundamental importance for solving the crises in Syria and Yemen, and for the stability of the entire region."

A Foreign Ministry spokesman said the Middle East owed the world more cooperation in trying to overcome regional crises.

Martin Schaefer said that "from point of view of Foreign Minister (Frank-Walter) Steinmeier both Saudi and Iran, too, are obliged to contribute to solving the crises."