The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Tehran

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told Saudi King Abdullah that he "wished" the kingdom was not taking part in a US-hosted conference for peace in the Middle East, state media reported Monday. "I wish the name of Saudi Arabia was not among those attending the Annapolis conference," Ahmadinejad was quoted as telling Abdullah in a telephone conversation late Sunday, according to the state-run IRNA agency. "Arab countries should be watchful in the face of the plots and deception of the Zionist enemy," he added. "The US government, which is an accomplice to Zionist crimes, cannot play the role of saviour by hosting the Annapolis conference," he continued. Israeli and Palestinian leaders are to meet in Annapolis, Maryland, on Tuesday in a bid to kick-start negotiations for a Palestinian state living in peace with Israel, Iran's arch regional enemy which Tehran does not recognise.