Obama Calls for 'New Beginning' in Message to Iran

U.S. President Barack Obama is offering Iran's leaders the promise of a new beginning in relations. But Mr. Obama says they must now choose between threats and engagement.

President Obama says relations between Iran and the United States have grown increasingly strained over the last three decades.

He says it is time to begin anew. "My administration is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of issues before us, and to pursuing constructive ties among the United States, Iran and the international community," the President said.

But he says the effort cannot be one sided, stressing Iran's leaders have a choice. "This process will not be advanced by threats. We seek, instead, engagement that is honest and grounded in mutual respect," he said.

He spoke in a videotaped message marking Nowruz - the Persian New Year. He said with the new year comes the promise of a new day. "The promise of opportunity for our children; security for our families; progress for our communities; and peace between nations. Those are shared hopes. Those are common dreams," he said.

His comments were most striking, perhaps, for their tone. Unlike his predecessor, President George W. Bush, who refused to deal with Iran's leaders and once referred to Iran as part of an axis of evil, Mr. Obama focused on the future.

"I want you, the people and leaders of Iran, to understand the future that we seek. It is a future with renewed exchanges among our people, and greater opportunities for partnership and commerce. It is a future where the old divisions are overcome - where you, and all your neighbors and the wider world can live in greater security and greater peace," he said.

President Obama has raised the prospect in the past of possible diplomatic engagement with Iran. But Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently had harsh words for Tehran, saying it is encouraging divisions in the Arab world, promoting terrorism, and seeking to intimidate others. She later said the Obama administration wants to engage in talks with Iran, but only if it is sure the discussions will be productive.

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• Iran
• no_rooz
• Persia
• Message

[Gatoreffer]

Can a foreigner who calls himself president be charged with treason?

[Bahramerad]

Good point... B.Hussain will have to answere for all this myhem someday....

[RobinSpence100]

@Gatoreffer Actually it may be hearsay but I heard he was already taken to court like 3 times by different ppl. I only know one of these may be in my favorites. If ya find anything out let me know. too if ya see in them then you'll know TV has'nt been giving whole truths for a long time though.

[RobinSpence100]

@eagllet Then tell him to hurry up and show me he is about what I used to believe in our government but before the psychos ( in this states governor etc. many) I went to for law etc.-help but traumatizing-terrorizing me-my family instead! Oh MI don't think my over 65000. in losses (they caused me) proves in a big way whom plays a role at ppl eating out of garbage cans now, and homeless! Plus I don't like Michigan governor righteous to call her a child slaughterer too!

[eagllet]

he is a truly elected president of US.Obama is a symbole of braveness.

[Gatoreffer]

FUCK YOU!

[dancer2techie]

One of the reasons why I love Obama.

[boxeranders]

Can we please get along with you. We are sorry for what we have done to our country in the past. Just don't support terrorists and cut hostages heads off and we the US will concede to anything you want! This President is a looser! 100% looser. What do you expect from a half muslim. Concessions to his own breed.

[roozbehhosseinifuk]

"iranian2uk" user .... PLZ Shut upppppppppp ---- and Fuck offfffffffffffffffffffffffffff­ffffffffff ... im iranian