TEHRAN President Mohammad Khatami has responded to a young girl's letter alleging Tehran-Washington rapprochement and stressed the country's policy of detente with regard to all countries including the United States. Khatami, in his response to a letter received from Azadeh Pazouki, a young Iranian student, said that Iran does not seek tension with the United States, but added that there was a deep-rooted bad blood between the two countries. "I am a student and interested in the country's developments... I felt proud when I heard your pleasant speech in the United Nations. But one of the questions which has preoccupied my mind is: Why didn't you agree to talk to Mr. Bill Clinton who is a symbol of America?" she asked in her letter. "My second question is: Why did you not agree to participate in a group photo-session with representatives of world countries in the United Nations?" she asked. "I hope success for my dear girl Azadeh Pazouki and proud to see our dear Iran has such conscious, sensitive and interested children who feel responsible for the country's fate. Responding to your letter needs extended time which, unfortunately, is not at my disposal," part of Khatami's letter reads. "In short, Iran-U.S. ties have a long history and the bad blood between the two countries has deep roots which, if not accounted for, will cost the two countries and their nations highly no matter what decisions are made," he said. Khatami praised Iran's policy of detente with regard to the outside world, adding such policy has benefitted Iran and has brought tangible fruits. "We never welcome tensions and any face-offs between Iran and United States. However, Americans pursue certain interests to their own advantage which happen not to be in conformity with our interests," he added.

(IRNA)