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Obama favours diplomatic ties if Iran shuns N-programme
Offering Iran sops like WTO membership, the new US administration led by President Barack Obama has said that it favours "normal diplomatic relations" with Tehran, provided it shuns alleged support for "terrorism" and abandons its nuclear programme.
Offering Iran sops like WTO membership, the new US administration led by President Barack Obama has said that it favours "normal diplomatic relations" with Tehran, provided it shuns alleged support for "terrorism" and abandons its nuclear programme.
"If Iran abandons its nuclear programme and support for terrorism, we will offer incentives like membership in the World Trade Organisation, economic investments, and a move toward normal diplomatic relations," said a White House document which revealed the Foreign Policy agenda of the Obama Administration.
"Barack Obama supports tough and direct diplomacy with Iran without preconditions," the White House said.
"If Iran continues its troubling behavior, we will step up our economic pressure and political isolation. In carrying out this diplomacy, we will coordinate closely with our allies and proceed with careful preparation," it said.
Iran is determined to go ahead with its nuclear ambition, against the wishes of the US-led international community including India.
The President offered Iran with sops including economic incentives if Tehran abandons its nuclear weapons program and its alleged support to terrorism.
"Now is the time to use the power of American diplomacy to pressure Iran to stop their illicit nuclear programme, support for terrorism, and threats toward Israel," it said.
The Obama Administration would offer the Iranian regime a choice, it said. Seeking this kind of comprehensive settlement with Iran is the best way to make progress, said the Foreign Policy Agenda Document of the Bush Administration.
