Germany welcomes US readiness to hold direct talks with Iran
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Berlin, April 10, IRNA -- German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier here Friday welcomed the readiness of the US administration to fully take part in any talks with Iran over its nuclear program.
Steinmeier stressed in a press statement that the decision of the US government to join the talks of the 5 plus 1 group "underscored the seriousness of the new American approach in its Iran policy."
"The direct US participation in these talks highlights the additional weight of the US offer for a fundamental change in its relations with Iran," he added.
Steinmeier called on Iran to take advantage of the chance for a new beginning in ties between Tehran and Washington.
The US said Wednesday it would join other permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany in talks with Iran over its nuclear program.
Confirming that the US will take part in the process, State Department spokesman Robert Wood said European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana was asked to invite the Iranian government to meet representatives of the so-called P5 plus 1.
The 5 plus 1 group is comprised of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - the US, Britain, China, France and Russia - in addition to Germany.
The US "will be at the table from now on," Wood said, indicating a significant shift from the hardline policies of former president George W. Bush's who linked any American participation in talks with Iran to its suspension of all nuclear activities.
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