Iranian President Mohammad Khatami called for dialogue Wednesday as a solution to global conflicts but said he felt there was no chance for political talks with the United States because of a lack of respect for Tehran's government.
"Partnership and security will only come about as a result of dialogue," Khatami said in his keynote speech at the World Economic Forum.
At a news conference later, however, he clarified that in relation to the United States, dialogue should begin with cultural exchanges. "The dialogue that I spoke of is between cultures and civilizations, between scholars and wise men," Khatami said. "If those are realized, then we can have political dialogue as well."
"The prerequisite for any kind of dialogue is the mutual respect between the two partners to the dialogue. Any time we sense that the other side respects us and isn't forcing anything on us, we are prepared to talk. We have not sensed that from the United States."
Asked if he would speak with Vice President Dick Cheney, who arrives later this week at the conference of government and business leaders, Khatami said he was speaking of a process that would begin with an exchange of scholars and improved cultural ties.
Khatami predicted there would free elections in Iran next month and indicated that his reform movement would contest the balloting despite threats to resign over attempts by hard-liners to disqualify his allies.
"With the will of God, we will have a good election," Khatami said, according to The AP.
Khatami told a small group of reporters after his news conference that Iranian officials had not had any contacts with Israeli officials following a recent appeal for dialogue by Israeli President Moshe Katzav.
He said he felt there was "no chance for peace in the Middle East" as long as Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his followers were in power.
However, Khatami took a question from an Israeli reporter at the news conference and said that Iran had a "moral issue" with Israel over the occupation of Palestinian land.
He said recognition of Israel would depend on the Palestinian people and "whatever they decide." (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
