Iran's Rouhani says if US shows goodwill, way for talks is open

New Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that if the United States demonstrated goodwill towards Iran and an atmosphere of mutual respect was created, the way will be open for talks to remove the concerns of both sides.          

"What matters to us is the practical policy and strategy of the United States. If the United States shows goodwill and intentions ... and without any secret agenda, if they approach this way, then the way will be open," he told his first news conference as president.                     

Rouhani said he was "seriously determined" to resolve a dispute with the West over Tehran's nuclear program and was ready to enter "serious and substantive" negotiations on the issue.                                      

Speaking during his first news conference as president, he said the other side should realize that a solution could be reached "solely through talks, not threats".    
                              
He said he was confident the concerns of both sides could be removed in a short time.    

In turn, Russia called for support for the new Iranian president's stance on nuclear talks, saying it "absolutely agreed" that the dispute must be solved via dialogue, not ultimatums.                 

"We absolutely agree with what President Hassan Rouhani said. This problem must not be solved with ultimatums," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was quoted by Interfax as saying on a visit to Rome.               

"Now it is critical to support the constructive approach of the Iranian leadership."                        

Earlier, Russia said a new round of talks between Iran and world powers over its nuclear program could no longer be delayed and should take place by mid-September.                                       

"This round, given all the circumstances, must be held by mid-September. This cannot be delayed any longer," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the Interfax news agency.    


REUTERS