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| Rohani: Iran ready to enter serious nuclear talks |
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.jpg) TEHRAN – New Iranian President Hassan Rohani announced on Tuesday that the Islamic Republic is prepared to enter “serious talks” with major powers to resolve the dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program.
In his first press conference after he was sworn in as president, Rohani also said Iran is ready to help alleviate “mutual concerns” which exist between Iran and the West.
Following is an excerpt of Rohani’s remarks in the press conference:
My government will be “accountable” to people and will act “transparently”. My government will elaborate on progresses and weaknesses.
The government will consider nothing more important than people. It will not succeed to achieve its long term goals without people’s support.
When I won election in the June 14 elections I followed two important duties: First setting the general policies of “the government of wisdom and hope” and secondly naming nominees for ministerial posts.
Experience and expertise, moderation, and capability were important factors in naming ministers.
Foreign officials whom I met said election in Iran revived “hope for peace and reconciliation” in the region and this shows the importance of the Iranian people.
My government will abide by the law and uphold morality.
There has been an economic vibrancy in the country in the recent days and this shows the move toward economic stability in the country.
In the election Iranians showed that they are a great “social capital”.
Economic team is coordinated
The government’s economic team (which in fact includes the proposed ministers of economy, commerce and industries and mines as well as central banker, and budget and planning organization director who will be appointed in the future days) is coordinated. They (members of the economic team) exchanged ideas in working groups for many hours.
And a four-year plan has been devised by working groups.
No change in cash subsidy
Cash subsidy will be paid to people as usual. However, the pros and cons of the payment will be dependent on the country’s economic situation.
Prioritize developing ties with neighbors, regional countries
Next government prioritizes development of ties with neighbors and regional countries. In my government efforts will be made to promote stability and peace and reducing tensions with the help of friendly countries.
Draw up plan for citizenship rights
The government is drawing up plans for citizenship rights based on the constitution and the constitution can guarantee people’s citizenship rights.
The atmosphere in universities should be more open for expressing views and we try to promote a better atmosphere for political activities in universities.
U.S. has not responded properly to Iranian people’s vote
The Iranian people’s vote in the June 14 election was “meaningful” which has not still received a proper response by U.S. officials.
The recent sanctions bill against Iran by the House of Representatives shows that “some officials” in the U.S. still do not have not “correct understanding” of the election in Iran. Behaviors (by the White and the Congress) are contradictory and “actions and words” do not match.
Pressure groups and warmongering groups in the U.S., which only care about the interest of a (particular) country [Israel], are only seeking to exacerbate the situation and “even the interest of the U.S. are not taken into consideration” by these groups.
The government of hope and wisdom is seeking “active and constructive interaction” with the world.
Practical steps
“Practical steps” by the United States is “important for us” to take steps toward alleviating “mutual concerns”.
We will “certainly respond appropriately” to any positive move by the U.S.
The right to use nuclear energy is a “national and extra factional” issue and Iran’s right to nuclear technology is based on international law and “we will not forgo people’s rights but we seek serious dialogue” with negotiating partners about the nuclear issue and its “contents”. If the other side is serious “I am sure” the two sides’ concerns will be alleviated but “unreasonable and illegal demands” by the other side will get it nowhere.
The key to resolving the nuclear dispute is “dialogue and not threat”.
Threat only “exacerbates” the situation and if anybody thinks that it can impose its will on Iranians is making a serious mistake. “Political will” is needed to resolve the issue.
The Iranian government is “determined” to solve the nuclear issue and “cares about the concerns of the other side”.
“I am not pessimistic” about future dialogue between Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany).
I do not think that the West is of the view that the continuation of sanctions will benefit it
We will seek win-win game in the nuclear negotiations.
The fact that the U.S. has adopted a “dual approach” will get it nowhere. The dual approach puts its policy under question.
The practical policy of America is important for us.
If the U.S. shows goodwill and deals with Iran as an equal partner, the door will be open for interaction.
Transparency is important in fighting corruption
The elimination of competitor means corruption. Transparency is very important to fight corruption.
The roots of corruption should be eliminated in the fight against corruption. Creating an atmosphere of competition is key to fight corruption.
Iran itself wants to build nuclear power plants
After the completion of the Bushehr power plant by a Russian company Iran is making efforts to build more nuclear power plants in its efforts to produce 20,000 megawatts of nuclear electricity.
As Iran is now able to produce nuclear fuel to power nuclear plants it hopes to build nuclear power plants as well.
Iran welcomes partnership with any country which is ready to cooperate with Iran in building nuclear power plants.
I am not pessimistic about negotiations
I am not pessimistic about future negotiations with the 5+1 group because we enter the talks with logic. We take practical steps and act wisely and reasonably with negotiating partners.
Iran only seeks its absolute right. It does not threaten any country.
We have alternatives for different scenarios if negotiations fail.
What is important is “national interest” and the Iranian nation’s rights.
“If we see goodwill and mutual respect” Iran will take reciprocal approaches.
The goal behind the sanctions is putting pressure on the Iranian people and this claim by the West that the sanctions are intended to hamper Iran’s nuclear efforts are meaningless. Even in buying wheat we face problems.
People showed that they resist pressure (resulting from sanctions) and will resist it in the future.
“We have plans for different situations… and do not stand idle by.”
We are ready to take steps for “alleviating mutual concerns”.
Direct negotiations with U.S.
The 5+1 talks have not actually failed but it has not achieved the desired results. We will seek more serious dialogue with the 5+1 group after the (Iranian nuclear) team is formed.
Any country who shows goodwill and cares about Iran’s national interests can be a dialogue partner and we “will not have any problem” for holding direct talks and “this country can be the U.S.”
If the U.S. shows seriousness and does not use the language of threat then dialogue between the two countries will be possible.
Iran opposes the “carrot and stick policy” by the west.
No pressure in nominating ministers and managers
My government will brief the people about the country’s current economic situation.
In choosing mangers (ministers and top managers) “we will not have time for trial and error.”
I will not decide under pressure and all the persons who I have nominated for ministerial posts are moderate, expert and familiar with the realities of the country.
Those who have been nominated for ministerial posts have actually heard the “message of the election”.
I will defend the ministers that I have nominated. I know the persons who I have nominated. I have worked with them in research centers. I am aware of their capabilities. I worked with them in working groups, economic teams, etc.
U.S. must hear the voice of Iranian nation reflected in election
I am ready to negotiate with any country for the protection of my country’s national interests.
Iranians created an epic and the world heard their voice and many countries sent congratulations and it is necessary that the U.S. hears the people’s voice.
The U.S. is in a “state of ambiguity” in its policy toward Iran. If Americans take practical steps and show seriousness and goodwill Iran will also take practical steps.
Equal opportunity for women
The government is firm to go ahead with its promise to create equal opportunity for women in the society. Women will also be in the cabinet as vice presidents.
Even if one woman minister would be in cabinet it does not mean that women have succeeded to gain their rights. Women should be given right to take managerial posts.
Dialogue is solution to Syrian crisis
We condemn foreign terrorists in Syria. We condemn foreign interference. The conflict in Syria has no military solution. It is necessary that all opposition groups hold talks with the government to end the civil war in Syria and also take step toward “democracy” and holding “elections”.
Britain and the U.S. should stop arms shipment to Syria.
Naturally, Iran will negotiate with countries, including Britain and the U.S., if an international conference is held on Syria.
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| Last Updated on 06 August 2013 17:43 |