Iran's ongoing shuttle diplomacy over the past days is directed at promoting peace and stability in the Caucasus region in the aftermath of the Georgian war, Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said.

Speaking after his meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank- Walter Steinmeier, Mottaki said a major objective of his mediation efforts in the Caucasus was "to establish and protect stability and security" in the region.
Pointing to his recent trips to Russia and Azerbaijan as part of Iran's active diplomacy in the energy-rich Caucasus region, Mottaki added his country "started a new regional initiative for establishing consultations with regional countries."

Iran's chief diplomat urged also European countries to support the regional initiative.

He expressed hope mechanisms could be "reached for protecting security and peace in the region."

"Everything will be complicated, if we don't find a solution. The military approach created problems in the region," the minister added.

Mottaki warned also against "interference from countries and parties outside the region," IRNA reports.