Albright makes overture to Iran to improve relations
Iran-Regional, Politics, 6/18/1998

U.S. Secretary of State Albright spoke yesterday of having a new try at improving US-Iranian relations, which have suffered in the past.

The U.S. has accused Iran of terrorism, wanting to sabotage the Middle East peace process, and developing nuclear weapons among other issues that Iran finds offensive and regards as interference in its internal affairs.

In what is seen as a clear signal for a need for change in U.S.-Iran relations, Albright spoke about the U.S. desire to have better relations with Iran. Albright gave a speech in which she praised Iran and its importance as a country in a region that holds most of the world's oil reserves, and have strategic importance as well. She praised in her prepared statement Iranian President Khatami as a president who "deserves respect because he is the choice of the Iranian people."

Albright said, "We view these developments with interest, both with regard to the possibility of Iran assuming its rightful place in the world community, and the chance for better bilateral ties," and added that, "However, these hopes must be balanced against the reality that Iran's support for terrorism has not yet ceased; serious violations of human rights persist; and its efforts to develop long-range missiles and to acquire nuclear weapons continue."

Albright said, "We fully respect Iran's sovereignty. We understand and respect its fierce desire to maintain its independence. We do not seek to overthrow its government. But we do ask that Iran live up to its commitments to the international community," a point that has sparked Iranian anger over US efforts into beaming Farsi radio news programs to Iran. Albright added, "As in Indonesia, we hope Iran's leaders will carry out the people's mandate for a government that respects and protects the rule of law, both in its internal and external affairs."

Albright said, "We are ready to explore further ways to build mutual confidence and avoid misunderstandings. The Islamic Republic should consider parallel steps. If such a process can be initiated and sustained in a way that addresses the concerns of both sides, then we in the United States can see the prospect of a very different relationship. As the wall of mistrust comes down, we can develop with the Islamic Republic, when it is ready, a road map leading to normal relations."

Albright added, "Obviously, two decades of mistrust cannot be erased overnight. The gap between us remains wide. But it is time to test the possibilities for bridging this gap." She stated that Asia is in a transitional phase, "and in responding to this dynamic world, America cannot view every issue or nation through a single prism. We must take into account the full range of our interests. We must combine adherence to principle with a pragmatic sense of what works."

Albright expressed strong commitment to human rights and freedom as the key that binds the US and Asia together and added that, "We must know when to raise our voices in public and when to work quietly behind the scenes. We must know when to engage and when to isolate, and we must always be flexible enough to respond to change and to seize historic opportunities when they arise."

These statements by Albright come amid great concern by the US over the growing technical capabilities of Iran in its mid-and-long range missiles. The US congress is concerned about Iranian nuclear efforts, and has passed recently laws restricting many companies and individuals from doing business with Iran if it has anything to do with a whole class of technologies that could help Iran improve its military capabilities.

State-run Iran radio called Albright's statement "inadequate," according to a Fox News report, saying that "Washington (must) show good will" as well.

Today, President Clinton when asked about Irani-US relations said that Secretary Albright's statements represented very well the US position, adding "what we want is genuine reconciliation with Iran."

Previous Stories:
  Iran cancels press conference between reporters, Albright at the White House   (6/18/1998)
  The coming war between Iraq and Iran   (2/17/1998)
  Khatami speaks on US-Iranian relations   (1/8/1998)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search