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U.S. Department discloses principles on which direct talks with Iran can be held

Iran Materials 29 March 2013 19:56 (UTC +04:00)

Azerbaijan, Baku, March 29 /Trend S.Isayev, D. Khatinoglu/

The U.S. Department of State spokesman Alan Eyre has disclosed principles on which the direct talks between the U.S. and Iran can be held.

Speaking to the journalists via the online press conference, Eyre noted that such talks are possible.

"We were very attentive to the words of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which he said during the Novruz holiday," Eyre said, answering the question of Trend.

On March 21, Khamenei said that the problems with the U.S. could be resolved, if it would stop imposing sanctions on the Islamic Republic, which damage Iran's economy.

"As previously U.S. president Barack Obama said, we are ready for talks with Iran, either within the P5+1 group regarding the nuclear program, or outside of them, directly between the two sides," Eyre noted.

Eyre added that it would be beneficial for both sides and help to resolve the nuclear issues and other general issues as well.

"We are willing to accept a stable, mutual solution that would be of favor to both sides," Eyre noted.

When asked if the U.S. has any preconditions for the direct talks, he said there are none, however there are several principles, which both sides have.

"These principles are going step-by-step, having mutual trust and respect. Both sides must show good will and be serious about the negotiations," Eyre noted. "These are not preconditions, but principles, and the negotiations are built on these principles."

Answering another journalist's question about the continuing of sanctions, Alan Eyre said that the U.S. doesn't have a problem with strong and independent Iran.

"We do not want to damage country's independence. We do not have a policy of sanctions," Eyre said.

He then said that there is a two sided policy at international arena.

"Sanctions is part of the pressure, which is first policy. The other policy is diplomacy. We put all the priority to solving the problems with diplomatic means," he noted.

"What is important is that Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful, and if it is so, then why Iran is not being serious about the negotiations?," Eyre asked.

He underscored that international community solves problems with diplomatic means and negotiations.

"Due to this, we really want the negotiations with Iran to take place, and so that the nuclear issues will be solved as well," he said.

Answering the question about the sanctions affecting not only Iran's government but the people as well, Eyre noted that it is natural.

"Obviously, the the sanctions affect not only the government but people as well, and because of this, the U.S. is not only sorry but worried as well," he said.

He added that the U.S. is trying to reduce the damage towards the people of Iran as much as possible, however the important thing is that Iranian people suffer because of their own government's decisions.

"This government represents Iranian people, and its position can either be an asset to the people or its loss," Eyre noted.

"What the Iranian people are going through, may be because of bad management, may be because of corruptions, or because of the sanctions. The sanctions have also affected Iranian government's strategic plans, and that is the outcome of the sanction's strategy. We do not want this to affect usual people."

Further speaking about words of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who said that nuclear weapons is haram (a sin), Eyre said that Iran should not be scared of co-operating with International community.

"If Iran stands behind its word and can take international responsibility, then we can halt the sanctions," Eyre noted.

He added that Iran is important for international community.

"We do not want isolated Iran. Strong and independent Iran is needed for international community, as well as Iran needs international community," Eyre underscored.

Alan Eyre participated in an online q&a session today with several journalists, answering questions about Iran, country's nuclear program and other issues.

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