Obama congratulates Iran on New Year
President Barack Obama has congratulated Iran on the occasion of Nowruz, promising to seek a "new beginning" with the Islamic Republic.
US President Barack Obama has congratulated Iran on the occasion of Nowruz, promising to seek a 'new beginning' with the Islamic Republic.
In a videotaped message released on Friday, President Obama addressed the Iranian nation and leaders to mark Nowruz (the Persian New Year).
"I would like to speak directly to the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Nowruz is just one part of your great and celebrated culture. Over many centuries your art, your music, literature and innovation have made the world a better and more beautiful place," he said.
Calling Nowruz the time of 'new beginnings', President Obama said his new administration was committed to 'diplomacy' with Iran, promising to pursue 'constructive ties' with the Islamic Republic and the international community.
Obama, whose country has imposed various sanctions against Iran since the Islamic Revolution toppled a US-backed monarch in the country in 1979, added that the relations between Tehran and Washington were 'strained' for almost 30 years but promised that the future will be brighter where the 'old divisions are overcome'.
He added the US policy 'will not be advanced by threats', insisting Washington seeks 'engagement that is honest and grounded in mutual respect'.
Obama's direct message to Iran, however, reverberated with the rhetoric of the Bush era.
Acknowledging the 'serious differences' between the two countries Obama said that Tehran has 'a choice' to abandon what Washington considers as Iran's effort to sponsor terrorism throughout the world.
"You too have a choice. The United States wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations. You have that right -- but it comes with real responsibilities, and that place cannot be reached through terror or arms, but rather through peaceful actions that demonstrate the true greatness of the Iranian people and civilization."
The US and Iran have had no diplomatic ties for almost three decades. The new US President Barack Obama has, however, promised to break the ice and open dialogue with Tehran to solve the country's nuclear issue and other regional conflicts.
Iranian officials say they welcome the idea of talks based on 'mutual respect', urging a 'real' shift of policy in the US administration and not a change in tactics.
Last week, President Obama extended for another year sanctions imposed against Iran under Bill Clinton in 1995.
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