Iran Rebuffs U.S. Overtures to Start Dialogue

[papau]

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/politics/politics-iran-usa.html

Iran Rebuffs U.S. Overtures to Start Dialogue
By REUTERS


Filed at 6:58 p.m. ET
TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran said on Saturday it had no plans to start talks with its long-time adversary the United States, and that U.S. policy toward the Islamic Republic must change.

Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Friday Iran's acceptance of U.S. aid after the Bam earthquake had opened up opportunities for dialogue between the foes although there was no reason to expect a quick political rapprochement.

``Now there is no plan for starting negotiations,'' said Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi. ``U.S. policy toward Iran must change, getting rid of its hostile atmosphere.''

``We have said that it is important for the negotiations between the countries to be based on mutual respect and to take place on an equal footing,'' he added.<snip>

[Just Me]

1. LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!!

They already know all about PNAC, probably moreso than the majority of members of US Congress (even though there have been letter-writing campaigns to inform those ignoramas).

LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!!

For Christ's sake,...they are evolving,...and shoving the PNAC "promise" simply pushes everything backwards. STUPID, ARROGANT, FREON NEOCONS!!!! GET A LIFE!!!

[Lisa]

2. they're still pulling bodies out of the rubble ...

This probably isn't the best time to leap out at them with a bunch of treaties for them to sign! At best, it's diverting the Iranian government's attention from the desperate effort to care for the injured and homeless. At the worst, it looks crass and opportunistic. I think much more could be accomplished if the West helps out, waits until a suitable mourning period has elapsed, and then makes some low-key overtures.