...

Process of US NGO’s Obtaining License to Open Office in Iran to Complete in Three Months: Head of American-Iranian Council

Politics Materials 18 October 2008 13:42 (UTC +04:00)
Process of US NGO’s Obtaining License to Open Office in Iran to Complete in Three Months: Head of American-Iranian Council

Azerbaijan, Baku, 18 October/ Trend , corr D. Khatinoglu/ American-Iranian Council non-government organization of the United States has appealed Ministry of Internal affairs of the Republic of Iran to open an office in Tehran.

Chairman of American-Iranian Council Hooshang Amirahmadi said to Trend that the document is being reviewed by the Ministry of Internal affairs Iran at present. "After reviewing the appeal, the Ministry of Internal affairs will send it to the respective bodies - national security agencies, foreign policy, etc. This process will take two to three months and a decision will be passed as to opening of office of the American-Iranian Council in Tehran," Amir Ahmadi said by telephone from Washington.

The decision can not be predicted, however, American-Iranian Council (AIC) will probably be allowed to open an office in Tehran, he said.

US Department of State permitted its NGO to open an office in Iran for the first time. Previously, chairman of AIC paid several visits to Iran and met with the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. AIC has been seeking to normalize Iran-US relations since 1997.

By operating in Iran, AIC can achieve practical results, he noted.

"I think after US presidential election, Washington-Tehran relations will begin to normalize. None of the sides want to wage a war or not to restore relations at all. Both sides want the problems to be addressed through discussions. AIC can play a crucial role in restoring peace between the sides," AIC chairman said.

UN Security Council's passing resolution against Iran without sanctions was a good message for Iran. 5+1gave Iran one more chance to make certain changes to its position regarding nuclear program, Amirahmadi said.

Jewish lobby can not hinder restoring American-Iran relations. There is a strong Jewish lobby in US as Iran is an enemy of the United States. There are no others reasons. Iran wants to normalize relations with US and Jewish lobby can not solicit Washington to oppose Iran, he said.

If Barack Obama wins presidential election, Washington can begin discussions with Iran. The top foreign and domestic policy figure of Iran is supreme leader Ali Khamenei and US President should hold talks directly with him or Khamenei should provide his positive feedback about the talks. Therefore, Obama does not need to hold talks with Ahmadinejad directly. In any case, it is Khomenei who will make a final decision, Amirahmadi said.

The correspondent can be contacted at: [email protected]

Latest

Latest