Salehi: Iran Ready For Interaction If US Proves Sincerity

Tehran, April 23, IRNA – Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said Iran is ready for interactions if Americans are truly sincere in their claims. Talking to IRNA on Tuesday, he made the remarks in reaction to the recent remarks of his US counterpart John Kerry as well as the request of 35 former American officials for direct talks with Iran. ˈDuring the recent Iran-5+1 talks in Almaty, Kazakhstan, it was agreed that the EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton talks with foreign ministers of the participating countries and then informs the top Iranian negotiator Saeed Jalili of the results but she declined to do so which proves they are not sincere with what they promise,ˈhe added. He described it as a serious mistake for them to express interest in establishing interactions and then keep it just as rhetoric to feed the media. Salehi said he believed the current Iranian year (started March 21, 2013) will be the year of destiny for Iran for its opening up a new chapter in the ties with other countries. He said the West will eventually have no choice but to have interactions with Iran. The FM further hoped they would adopt a positive approach towards the issue./end