Powell: Washington open to restoring dialogue with Tehran

Published December 30th, 2003 - 02:00 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

Washington is open to restoring a dialogue with Tehran after "encouraging" moves by Iran in recent months, Secretary of State Colin L. Powell was quoted as saying Tuesday by The Washington Post.  

 

Iranian leaders have agreed to allow unannounced visits in the country's nuclear sites, have made overtures to moderate Arab governments and, in the past week, have accepted direct American aid as the country struggles with the effects of a devastating earthquake.  

 

"There are things happening, and therefore we should keep open the possibility of dialogue at an appropriate point in the future," Powell said in an interview. "All of those things taken together show, it seems to me, a new attitude in Iran in dealing with these issues -- not one of total, open generosity. But they realize that the world is watching and the world is prepared to take action."  

 

"We still have concerns about terrorist activities, of course, and there are other issues with respect to al Qaeda and other matters that we'll have to keep in mind," Powell added. (Albawaba.com)

© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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