">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Obama seeks new beginnings with Iran
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Search
Search:
Obama seeks new beginnings with Iran
AFP - Saturday, March 21
WASHINGTON (AFP) - - US President Barack Obama launched an historic direct appeal to the Iranian people on Friday, urging an end to decades of animosity and offering "honest" engagement with the Islamic Republic.
ADVERTISEMENT
A top advisor to Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad welcomed Obama's olive branch, but urged Washington to recognize and repair "past mistakes."
Obama said in a video message marking the Iranian New Year, Nowruz, that his administration "is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of issues before us, and to pursuing constructive ties among the United States, Iran and the international community."
In a new decisive break with his predecessor, President George W. Bush, Obama called the celebrations a time of "new beginnings."
He said he wanted a new era of "engagement that is honest and grounded in mutual respect."
Obama said he wanted "constructive ties" with Iran, which could take its "rightful place" in the world if it renounced terror and embraced peace.
"For nearly three decades relations between our nations have been strained," he said. "But at this holiday we are reminded of the common humanity that binds us together."
The two nations have had no diplomatic ties since 1980, following Iran's Islamic revolution and the taking of US diplomats as hostages for more than a year.
Bush lumped Iran in his "Axis of Evil" with North Korea and Saddam Hussein's Iraq, then led international accusations that Iran is seeking to build a nuclear bomb. Iranian officials regularly refer to Washington as the "Great Satan."
"We welcome the wish of the president of the United States to put away past differences," the Iranian president's press advisor Ali Akbar Javanfekr told AFP in Tehran.
But he added: "The American administration has to recognize its past mistakes and repair them as a way to put away the differences."
"If Obama shows willingness to take action, the Iranian government will not show its back to him," Javanfekr said, while condemning what he called the "hostile, aggressive and colonialist attitude of the American government."
Iran's Energy Minister Parviz Fattah said: "Absolutely this message is positive ... although it might also have negative points in itself as well."
Iran's leaders "will precisely assess this message. We believe that we need that in addition to messages we need positive action from Mr. Obama as well as from his government," the minister said in Islamabad.
EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana described the Obama video as "a very constructive message" that could "open a new chapter" in international relations with Tehran.
"I hope very much that the Iranians will take good attention" to Obama's message, he told reporters in Brussels.
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also welcomed the statement. "The start of substantive dialogue will facilitate the revival of trust in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program," he said.
Without restating accusations of Iran's support for terrorism or its nuclear program, Obama said "the United States wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations."
"You have that right -- but it comes with real responsibilities, and that place cannot be reached through terror or arms, but rather through peaceful actions that demonstrate the true greatness of the Iranian people and civilization.
"And the measure of that greatness is not the capacity to destroy, it is your demonstrated ability to build and create."
Obama highlighted the potential for "greater opportunities for partnership and commerce.
"It's a future where the old divisions are overcome, where you and all of your neighbors and the wider world can live in greater security and greater peace."
Obama's address signals his administration's recognition of Iran as a potential negotiating partner, even though he has declined to rule out military action to stop Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.
Obama pledged during his election campaign last year to engage with Washington's adversaries. During his January 20 inaugural address he promised the Muslim world he would "extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."
The Iranian president then encouraged Obama to "put an end to the expansionist policies" of the United States.
Iran could be a key player in the United States exit from Iraq, tackling the Taliban in Afghanistan, and progress on the conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
The White House said a version of the video with Farsi subtitles was distributed to news outlets in the region Friday. There is also an online version.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Recommend this article
Average (0 votes)
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »
Related Articles: Obama's Presidency
Obama gives Carson African portfolio at StateAFP - 1 hour 3 minutes ago
Obama budget deficit could hit 1.845 trln dlrsAFP - Saturday, March 21
Iran welcomes Obama appeal but wants actionAFP - Saturday, March 21
Terror suspects lodge Geneva Convention complaintAFP - Saturday, March 21
Related Full Coverage
Obama's Presidency
What change will Obama bring? Will it affect the rest of us globally?
All Full Coverage
Most Popular – Top Stories
Viewed
Actress Natasha Richardson dies after ski accident
Arrest warrant issued for Lindsay Lohan
Global warming leaving its mark on polar bears
US bailout auditor launches probe into AIG bonuses
Injured actress Richardson flown to US: hospital
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Saturday, 21 March 2009 NATO commander sees Afghan security gains in 2010
| International
|
U.S. surprised by Spain troop decision on Kosovo
| International
|
Africans must excise corruption, pope says
| International
|
Software lobby seeks greater role in U.S. security
| Technology
|
Liam Neeson and family hold NY wake for Richardson
| Entertainment
|
Paul Rudd's star rises with ''I Love You, Man
| Entertainment
|
Film stirs politics ahead of Indian general polls
| Entertainment
|
Baranski, Noth join cast of Good Wife pilot
| Entertainment
|
Asia exhibit spotlights designer Lacroix's costumes
| Entertainment
|
North Korea confirms detention of two Americans
| International
|
Peace Afghanistan's New Year wish
U.S. to suspend non-humanitarian aid to Madagascar
| International
|
Western tourists glimpse antiquity in Iraq
Sudan says to never reverse decision to expel NGOs
| International
|
Sudan says to never reverse decision to expel NGOs
Venezuelans protest bid to arrest opposition leader
| International
|
Madoff loses bail appeal as victims' rage revealed
New details of Israeli war conduct emerge
Thai PM, ministers easily survive censure vote
| International
|
EU fails to commit to climate change aid
Somalia, U.N. appeal for peace process backing
| International
|
Iran brushes aside new Obama video message
Renault to bring home Slovenia production line
Approval for Brazil's Lula hit by economic crisis
| International
|
Israel's Peres sends holiday greeting to Iran
Obama seeks new beginnings with Iran
Iraqi budget woes force security hiring freeze
Obama reaches out to Iranians with video message
Tokyo declares cherry blossom season open
EU fails to commit to climate change aid
Fresh water in Asia a challenge
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 595
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,260
Google removes street images over privacy complaints
iPhone porn goes 3D
US suspends aid to Madagascar
Iran welcomes Obama appeal but wants action
US-TECH Summary
Official: US puts more GIs into Afghan countryside
Software lobby seeks greater role in U.S. security
Terror suspects lodge Geneva Convention complaint
Canada bars British lawmaker over Hamas support
Robot brings hope to kids with learning difficulties
US budget deficit seen at record 1.845 trillion dlrs
Four arrested over French nursery shooting: police
China, U.S. trade barbs over WTO piracy case
NATO commander sees Afghan security gains in 2010
US criticizes Spain on Kosovo pullout
Dell to cut further 230 jobs in Ireland: report
France's SNCF hopes to run high speed rail in US
Gamers to participate in Asian Indoor Games
Regret that email? Gmail allows recall
US-TECH Summary
Recession? Texas festival SXSW bigger than ever
| Entertainment
|
Prince to play three L.A. shows in one day
| Entertainment
|
Film stirs politics ahead of Indian general polls
| Entertainment
|
Baranski, Noth join cast of Good Wife pilot
| Entertainment
|
Nirvana catalog to be re-released on vinyl
| Entertainment
|
Asia exhibit spotlights designer Lacroix's costumes
| Entertainment
|
Tokyo declares cherry blossom season open
North Korea confirms two Americans detained
Harbhajan six gives India historic win
Mumbai police want death for attack suspect
NKorea says 2 US reporters detained, investigated
US baseball heroics help Classic live up to its name
NKorea opens up border, phone lines
Miracles do happen on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Official: Taliban chief Mullah Omar in Afghanistan
China military trains first public relations team
Pakistan c.bank sells 7 bln rupees of T-bills
Reluctant opener Prince, Kallis put SAfrica on top
China sees impact on economic rebound limited
S.Korea exports dips 13 pct in first 20 days of March
At least two firms join race for disgraced Satyam
Nirvana catalog to be re-released on vinyl
Prince to play three L.A. shows in one day
WTO to rule on Thai-US dispute over plastic bags
Kin, friends gather for Richardson private wake
Daughter pushes for Falk conservatorship
Miracles do happen on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Convicted RI art dealer denies new fraud charges
Recession? Texas festival SXSW bigger than ever
Kitschy NJ store that inspired band may close
Campaign fever hits Indonesia as parties rally
Rare complete dino skeleton offered at NY auction
Brits and Americans enjoy package tour
Iran to U.S.: You change, our behavior will change
| International
|
North Korea says holding 2 Americans
| International
|
Israel marks 1,000 days since soldier's capture
Mexico captures drug lord accused of U.S. attack
| International
|
Afghan New Year blast, at least two dead
Suicide car bomber kills 5 Afghans, one policeman
| International
|
Iran says it will change if the U.S. changes
Obama budget deficit could hit 1.845 trln dlrs
Hungarian PM to quit
| International
|
Five NATO soldiers die on same day in Afghanistan
Ivory Coast arrests opposition figure for coup call
| International
|
Shun witchcraft, pope tells Angolan Catholics
| International
|
Mutiny-hit Bangladesh to raise new border force
| International
|
Tens of thousands march in Naples against mafia
| International
|
Israel breaks up Arab capital events in Jerusalem
| International
|
Iran ready to change if US leads way: Khamenei
Metallica welcomes new Guitar Hero fans
| Technology
|
Four Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan
Obama gives Carson African portfolio at State
Third bidder joins race for Satyam
Tribune sues Warren Beatty over Dick Tracy rights
| Entertainment
|
Vatican expresses disapproval of Angels & Demons
| Entertainment
|
Smashing Pumpkins sheds Chamberlin
| Entertainment
|
India, Pakistan report firing on Kashmir frontier
Metallica welcomes new Guitar Hero fans
| Entertainment
|
NKorea restores military hot line with South
India has 'proof' of Pakistan role in Mumbai attacks
Bus, truck collide in Bangladesh, killing 10
Australian Labor wins fifth term in PM's home state
NKorea: 2 US reporters held for crossing border
Officials: Bombings kill 11 people in Afghanistan
Thai PM, ministers survive no-confidence motion
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Metallica welcomes new "Guitar Hero" fans
Obama saga inspires kids -- to read
Smashing Pumpkins sheds Chamberlin
Vatican expresses disapproval of "Angels & Demons"
Metallica invades SXSW as `young band from Norway'
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights