Iran should take US up on its offer for talks, UN officials says

Apr 20, 2009, 7:42 GMT

   Beijing - Iran should agree to a US initiative to hold new talks on the Iranian nuclear programme, the head of the UN's international nuclear watchdog said Monday.

   'I am extremely pleased with the reversal of the US policy from one of confrontation to dialogue and mutual respect,' Mohamed ElBaradei, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said in Beijing.

   'The Americans took the first step,' he said. 'I hope the Iranians will reciprocate and it will continue to move into the right direction. Than we should be able to find a solution.'

   ElBaradei also said he heard a 'more moderate tone' from Iran.

   He emphasized, however, that his agency has so far been unable to clarify whether Iran's nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes.

   A risk assessment must also be made of Iran's nuclear intentions in the future, which is also dependent upon dialogue, said ElBaradei, who was in Beijing to attend an international conference on nuclear energy that drew 65 countries, including Iran.

   US President Barack Obama, in a message last month on the occasion of the Persian New Year, said he wanted better ties with the Islamic republic and offered a new start in relations after decades of mistrust. He is also open to direct talks with Tehran.

   In contrast, Obama's immediate predecessor, George W Bush, had labelled Iran a member of the 'axis of evil' and said US participation in any talks with Iran would depend on its suspension of all nuclear work.

   Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said this month that he was open to exploring ways to improve relations with the United States, and Washington responded by saying it would be willing to consider any proposal presented by Iran as long as it addresses international concerns about the Islamic state's nuclear activities.

   The United States suspects Iran is seeking a nuclear weapons capability while Iran maintains the programme is purely for producing energy.