TOKYO -- The Japanese television network NHK on Tuesday broadcast part of a joint press conference of European Union Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana and Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi, saying, "The EU intends to consolidate ties with Tehran."

NHK commented, "Solana's remarks at the press conference expressed the difference between EU and U.S. policies toward Tehran. "Although Solana referred to the EU's disagreement with Tehran on weapons of mass destruction, he went on to say that with ongoing relations it is possible to scrutinize this issue. During the press conference, Kharrazi expressed his appreciation of the EU's independent policy, saying that Tehran regards relations between the two sides to be quite important."