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                  Kerry in Saudi Arabia for Talks on Iran, IS

   by VOA News

   U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is in Saudi Arabia where he is
   expected to push for improved ties between the Sunni Muslim country and
   its Shi'ite rival, Iran.

   Kerry, who arrived in Riyadh early Saturday, plans to participate in a
   forum with members of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council.

   The top U.S. diplomat is also expected to hold separate meetings with
   Saudi King Salman and Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir.

   Saudi Arabia and many of its Sunni regional allies have long seen Iran
   as a foe, but relations have deteriorated drastically in recent weeks.

   The situation worsened earlier this month after Saudi Arabia executed
   dissident Shi'ite cleric Nimr al-Nimr, who had encouraged protests
   opposing the Saudi government.

   In response to the execution, protesters in Tehran attacked the Saudi
   embassy, prompting Riyadh and some of its allies to cut or downgrade
   diplomatic relations.

   Many Sunni nations were already wary that the Iran nuclear deal will
   provide Tehran with billions of dollars in economic relief and could
   lead to improved ties with the West.

   Saudi Arabia and Iran also support opposite sides in several bloody
   regional conflicts, including in Yemen and Syria.

   The conflict in Syria will be on the agenda for Kerry in Riyadh, where
   he will meet with Syrian opposition leaders ahead of key talks set for
   next week.

   Kerry flew to Saudi Arabia from Switzerland where he participated in an
   annual World Economic Forum. Later, he will head to Laos, Cambodia and
   China.
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   an-is/3159548.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/kerry-in-saudi-arabia-for-talks-on-iran-is/3159548.html