Iran won't oppose Turkish mediation with incoming Obama administration

IRAN: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqavi said on Monday that Iran would not oppose Turkey's mediation for talks between Tehran and the incoming Obama administration, Iranian Press TV reported.

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said last Friday Ankara could play a positive role in mediating between Tehran and Washington.

"We think the comments stem from Turkish goodwill and the flourishing neighborly ties between Iran and Turkey. We will certainly not create any obstacles in the way of such moves," Qashqavi was quoted as saying at a press conference.

"But the reality is that the issue and problems between Iran and the United States go beyond the usual political problems between the two states," Qashqavi added.

Referring to whether Obama will change the policies of its predecessor, Qashqavi said "We now have to wait and see whether the change in orientation of Washington is serious or not." The United States and its allies have accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program. Iran denies the charges and insists that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only. Addressing his first press conference since Nov. 4 election, Obama said in Chicago on Nov. 7 that Iran's development of nuclear weapon is "unacceptable."

Tehran on Saturday asked Washington to change its policy towards Iran before holding talks between the two sides, saying " The talks is not the main issue, what is important is the change of U.S. policy towards Iran." Enditem

Tehran, Monday, Xinhua