German FM urges "constructive" Iranian reply to Obama call for talks
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Berlin, April 24, IRNA - German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier here Friday called for a "constructive" Iranian answer to the recent call by US President Barack Obama to have direct talks with Tehran.
"We have to make clear to Iran that this approach by Obama needs also an appropriate, rational and constructive answer from Iran," said Steinmeier during a parliamentary debate on global nuclear disarmament.
The minister urged Tehran to take advantage of the chance for a new start in US-Iranian relations.
"What has been set forth as a courageous new beginning must not be gambled away, The risk is too high," he added.
Earlier this month, Steinmeier welcomed the readiness of the US administration to take part fully in any talks with Iran over its nuclear program.
Steinmeier had stressed 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 was quoted saying earlier.
Tehran has reiterated it would be ready for direct and unconditional negotiations, provided Washington changes its hostile stance towards the Islamic Republic.
Iran's leadership have hailed Obama's desire to boost dialogue in the Middle East as "positive," but made clear it had to be followed with a complete change in American diplomacy.
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