[size=18pt]Barack Obama appeals to Iranians for 'new day' in relations with US in video message[/size]

President Barack Obama on Friday appealed directly to Iranians for a "new day" in relations with the United States, making references to Persian music and art while hailing "the common humanity that binds us".

By Toby Harnden in Washington
Last Updated: 7:13PM GMT 20 Mar 2009

Mr Obama used a videotaped message to coincide with the festival of Norwuz - which means "new day" - to make the overture over the heads of Iran's leaders, while also appealing to them to change their ways.

"So in this season of new beginnings I would like to speak clearly to Iran's leaders," he said. "We have serious differences that have grown over time.

"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 video appeared on the White House website and on YouTube, which is blocked from being viewed in Iran. It was then broadcast inside the country on Farsi-language stations based abroad.

At the same time, President Shimon Peres of Israel issued an audio statement greeting "the noble Iranian people on behalf of the ancient Jewish people".

The two messages were an attempt to calm the increasingly bellicose rhetoric emanating from Tehran, particularly from President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and offer Iran the chance to become a full member of the international community.

Mr Obama stated that Iran's access to what he called its "rightful place in the community of nations" would not be advanced by threats or by "terror or arms, but rather through peaceful actions."

The new American president has said he is willing to talk directly with Iran about ending its nuclear ambitions and its vehement hostility towards Israel. At his inauguration, he said he would "extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist".

A spokesman for Mr Ahmadinejad welcomed Mr Obama's overture but said that the US could only forge genuinely new ties "by fundamentally changing its behaviour" including distancing itself from its key ally Israel and ending sanctions against Tehran.

"So far what we have received have been unfriendly fists," said Ali Akbar Javanfekr. "Unlimited sanctions which still continue and have been renewed by the United States are wrong and need to be reviewed ,  Supporting Israel is not a friendly gesture and the New Year is an opportunity for the United States to change this policy."

Mr Obama's appeal was also met by an exquisitely timed reminder by Iran's energy minister, Parviz Fattah, of the country's intention to "finish and operate" its controversial Russian-built Bushehr nuclear plant by the end of the year.

The message received a much warmer welcome in Europe. President Nicolas Sarkozy of France said: "We have been waiting for years for the Americans to re-engage in the Iranian issue."

Javier Solana, the European Union foreign policy chief, suggested it could usher in a "new chapter" in relations between Washington and Tehran.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, who has blasted Israel as a "cancerous tumour", has criticised the Obama administration for continuing George W Bush's policies.

Mr Ahmadinejad has said Iran would welcome talks with the US but Iranian officials say they could only take place if the US stopped accusing Iran of having a nuclear weapons programme and supporting terrorism.

It was unclear how many Iranians would be able to see the video. It was not shown on Iranian state television but was aired on Farsi-language television stations beamed in from outside of the country.

Many Iranians do not television in the first days of long Nowruz holiday that is normally filled with family gatherings or holidays away from home.

Mr Obama and his foreign policy team was looking for opportunities to engage Iran and reduce tensions.

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Thank God for people without empty craniums. Thank God!

This is why Obama is a phenomenon.

And Richyblack can you tell us the response of Iran under the Spiritual leader.

Now how is the one with the empty cranium?

Very tactical move!
Fingers crossed!!! :-\

Absolutely systematical, but based on the radical and groundless method of thinking in Iran, this move is also risky. It could be received either way.
So far, Iran has responded by saying: If America is willing to change, Iran will change.

I'm not sure if this is the type of response America (Obama) was expecting.

When someone is attempting to reach out to you, it is a common sense to embrace the attempt.

Let's see what happens
Fingers crossed.

dayokanu:

And Richyblack can you tell us the response of Iran under the Spiritual leader.

Now how is the one with the empty cranium?

Sorry, your mentor George W. Bush, had a vacuum in his cranium. The world is a safer place with Obama (lots of brains inside his head) and sensible moves like this will serve the long-term interest of the US. We know that Republicans (dullards with no positive message) will not appreciate this, but who really takes that monochromatic party of toddlers seriously?

Obama, keep the sense alive!

Without any question, the world is a safer place with Obama.
Thank God the brainless fool is no longer in the office.
I also think this is a great opportunity for "Mid East" to finally get themselves together for a change; America can no longer be used as an excuse.

Big B1:

Without any question, the world is a safer place with Obama.
Thank God the brainless fool is no longer in the office.
I also think this is a great opportunity for "Mid East" to finally get themselves together for a change; America can no longer be used as an excuse.

Let's just pray that those who benefit from the conflict are prevented from causing any damage to Obama's policy in the Middle-East. There are those that will do anything to continue the sale of arms to the oppressors in the region and would really hate talks of "peace". Peace simply means "less profit" for these profiteers of human suffering!

@Richyblack,

Iran’s all-powerful ayatollahs have brushed aside US president Barack Obama’s historic offer to end the three-decade long hostility between the two countries.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/5026873/Iran-rejects-Barack-Obamas-hand-of-friendship.html

For the response from Iran See the link.

dayokanu:

@Richyblack,


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/5026873/Iran-rejects-Barack-Obamas-hand-of-friendship.html

For the response from Iran See the link.

“They say we have extended a hand towards Iran,” he declared. “If the extended hand is covered with a velvet glove but underneath it, the hand is made of cast iron, this does not have a good meaning at all.” -- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei


The Ayatollah has expressed caution and that is not unexpected. After decades of being pummeled by the big bully, won't you apply caution when the big bully starts calling you "a friend"? Obama's speech must be followed by concrete actions that are inline with his speech. This would weaken the position of the hardliners in Iran and give a stronger voice to the moderates.

Obama is doing a great job and I'm happy we have a president of this caliber running the show in the home of the brave!