(8 Jan 1998) English/Nat
The Clinton Administration has welcomed the positive remarks made by Iranian President Mohammad Khatami in a C-N-N interview broadcast Wednesday.
And now, the United States would like Khatami to back up his conciliatory remarks with deeds.
In a briefing, U-S State Department spokesman James Rubin said the department welcomed Khatami's interest in a dialogue with the American people.
He said the best way to address the issues would be for the two governments to talk directly.
U-S State Department Spokesman James Rubin welcomed on the new tone from Iran during Thursday's briefing.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"We welcome the continuation of a new tone in Iranian statements. The President Khatami extensive comments with respect to U-S civilisation and values were interesting. We appreciated the sphere in which those remarks were offered. We also noted the President's comment that the conduct or relations between nations must be based on mutual respect and dignity, we agree."
SUPER CAPTION: James Rubin, State Department Spokesman
Rubin took particular note of Khatami's expression of regret over the 1979 taking of American hostages in Tehran.
He also said it was noteworthy that Iranian President rejected terrorism as a foreign policy tool.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"We also noted with interest his regret concerning the hostage taking. We welcome his statement that this period in Iranian history is over and that the rule of law should be respected, both domestically and internationally.
SUPER CAPTION: James Rubin, State Department Spokesman
But Rubin also voiced some criticism - he said Khatami's portrayal of Israel as a racist state is unacceptable.
He also added that some criticisms aimed at the U-S were not thoroughly researched.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Characterising our foreign policy since World War II was mistaken is also unfounded. Similarly the characterisation of the U-S - Israeli relationship was simplistic and wrong. And a continued reference to Israel as a racist terrorist regime is not acceptable."
SUPER CAPTION: James Rubin, State Department Spokesman
The spokesman also rejected the suggestion by Khatami that the United States was solely responsible for the problems in U-S-Iranian relations.
Rubin said the U-S department welcomed Khatami's interest in a dialogue with the American people.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"The government to government dialogue that we have offered yesterday, the day before that, that President Clinton has talked about, one that would be authorized and publicly acknowledged is one that we believe that would be the best way to overcome differences to the extend that the dialogue between people can help minimize mutual concern and begin to overcome differences, fine. But if the differences are to be overcome, it's our view and our experience around the world that a dialogue is the best way to do that."
SUPER CAPTION: James Rubin, State Department Spokesman
Now, they would like the Iranian President to back up his remarks with deeds.
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