Iran wants no mediators with US
Published: 11 March, 2009, 19:38
TAGS: Conflict, Middle East, USA
Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says his country doesn’t need mediators in settling its relations with the US. This comes after Turkey offered to help broker talks between the two countries.
Reuters reports, after talks in Tehran with regional leaders, including the Turkish president Abdullah Gül, Ahmadinejad stated:
“Our stances our clear: if there is justice and respect, no issue would remain in the world”.
Problems between Iran and the US cannot be solved overnight, but the two have adopted a new stance based on good will. The comment came from Turkish President, who is visiting the Iranian capital Tehran.
Relations between Washington and Tehran have gone from bad to worse over the last ten years. Iran has insisted on pursuing its nuclear program, which the West fears is aimed at developing an atomic weapon.
George W. Bush’s administration pushed for sanctions against the country.
President Barack Obama expressed willingness to talk to Iran, if it shows openness.
Meanwhile, Sergey Utkin, a political analyst with the Institute of World Economy and International Relations, says Tehran will want more recognition from the US before making any concessions.
“I don’t think there is a lack of mediators between these two countries – there is a lack of substance,” said Utkin.
11.03.2009, 16:47
3 comments
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Iran is absolutely right. The era of backroom politics should end and justice and respect should prevail if international relations are to be based on trust and peaceful intentions. The US has no reson to suspect Iranian intentions. They are clear and verifiable. However, Iran has every reason to be careful about the US intentions. The US has proved to be untrustworthy partner especially in the last decade. It needs to do a lot to regain a modicum of trust and respect from the rest of the world, most of all Iran.