BEIJING,
Nov. 15 -- Iran's president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says his country is ready for
talks with the US on the nuclear issue. But only if there is a change of attitude
in Washington.
Some analysts say such talks may now be more likely than before. This, as
the Bush administration is facing growing pressure to deal directly with Tehran
to help ease violence in Iraq. Especially after the Democrats' strong showing in
the mid-term election.
This is not the first time that the Iranian president has suggested direct
talks with the US. But the timing of his latest message makes the suggestion
potentially more realistic.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iranian president said, "We have announced that
before. We are ready to hold talks with the United States, if there is a change
in their attitude. We are ready to talks with them like the other countries."
Ahmadinejad says he will soon send a message to the American people to
explain his policies. But he gave no details of the message.
Tehran and Washington have come close to holding direct talks before. And
back in March, it looked as if they were close to agreeing to meet on Iraq. But
Ahmadinejad said in April there was no need for a dialogue.
The violence in Iraq and the result of the mid-term election are prompting
Washington to review its policies in Iraq. And the Bush administration is
expected to engage with Iran especially since it has close religious ties to
Iraq's majority Shi'ite Muslims.
Under Iran's political system, Ahmadinejad's government is in charge of
executive affairs of the country. But the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
has the last word on matters of state such as whether to hold talks with
Washington.
(Source: CCTV)
