Distrust Stymies Iran-Iraq Talks, U.N. Chief Says

An atmosphere of distrust between Iran and Iraq has prevented agreement so far on a step-by-step timetable to put an end to the Persian Gulf War, U.N. Secretary General Javier Perez de Cuellar said Saturday.

But the foreign ministers of the two countries are scheduled to continue face-to-face talks today, and Perez de Cuellar said he hopes to reach an accord on a timetable in the coming days before leaving Geneva.

Sources close to the talks said Perez de Cuellar proposed a plan setting out specific dates for implementing the various points of U.N. Security Council Resolution 598, the basis for the direct peace negotiations that began last Thursday.

Asked if he had agreement on this yet, the secretary general said: “No, we are working, I have to admit, at rather a slow pace, because we work in an atmosphere understandably of distrust so far.

“I hope that we are going to slowly build up a better climate for the talks. But so far I must say both interlocutors have been highly polite. They have listened to each other with patience and I hope with understanding.”

The negotiations, accepted by Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, only as a “poison” dictated by the circumstances, aim to convert the Aug. 20 U.N.-sponsored cease-fire into a lasting peace.

Resolution 598 stipulates the withdrawal of troops to international borders, the return of prisoners of war, a resolution of all outstanding issues and the formation of a commission to establish responsibility for starting the war.