TEHRAN (Mehr News Agency) – U.S. Republican Senator Lincoln Chafee supports dialogue between Tehran and Washington for discussing matters of mutual interests. Following is an exclusive interview with Senator Lincoln Chafee from Rode Island: Q: What is your opinion on the agreement between the UK, Germany and France to meet with the Iranian Foreign Minister?

A: I am generally supportive of multilateral efforts that are aimed at bringing about compliance with international commitments. In that regard, I am pleased that our European friends have had success thus far in convincing the Iranian government to cooperate with the IAEA. Q: What is your opinion on Deputy Secretary Armitage's comments on a limited U.S. dialogue with Iran?

A: I was encouraged to hear Mr. Armitage's testimony, and think even more is possible. In my view, the U.S. should explore all means of improving relations with Iran, and a real dialogue to discuss mutual interests makes sense. Q: What is the difference between a moderate and a conservative?

A: It depends on the issue, but on foreign policy conservatives are more likely to favor aggressive, unilateral actions in pursuit of U.S. interests abroad, while moderates favor a multilateral approach and working with friends and allies. Q: What is the Foreign Relations Committee's opinion of the Iranian nuclear program?

A: I cannot speak for the committee as a whole. My estimate, though, is that all members are concerned about Iran's development of nuclear weapons program, but there are differing opinions as to how the U.S. should respond. Q: What is the effect of the announced suspension of the Iranian nuclear program on a potential U.S.-Iran dialogue?

A: It is too early to tell, but I believe that Iranian cooperation with international agencies such as the IAEA to meet its commitments will make it more likely that a productive U.S.-Iran dialogue will take place.