U.S. says respects Iranians' choice on elected president
The United States respects the Iranian people's choice in the recent presidential elections which led to Hassan Rohani's victory. Meanwhile, there were substantial restrictions in the ability of people to have free speech and freedom of assembly in the country, the U.S. Department of State Persian language spokesman Alan Eyre told Trend news agency.
Eyre added that the US government welcomes the Iranian citizens' decision to take part in voting despite restrictions to determine their destiny on their own and this is laudable.
"As the U.S. President said on June 17 during a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Washington cautiously hopes for the future. Indeed, Rohani's victory is potentially a hopeful sign, but we should wait for the next steps and see what happens," the US diplomat said.
Reformist candidate Rohani was elected as Iran's president with 50.7 per cent of the votes on June 15.
Rohani said during his first press conference on June 17 that
his country plans to have good relations with all countries.
He underlined that Iran-US ties must be based on mutual respect,
but Iran's nuclear rights must be recognised.
Rohani further stressed that the two countries should focus their attention towards the future and then the two nations can talk to find a solution to solve their past problems.
The U.S. Department of State spokesman underlined that one should not forget that the main determiner in Iran's nuclear programme is Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
He went on to say that the doors of nuclear negotiations haven't locked yet and regarding the fact that Rohani said during his election campaign that he is determined to move toward detente and restoring relations with the international community, there are hopes that Iran would show enough willingness.
Eyre said that it is not a big problem for Iran to normalise its foreign relations, and ensuring transparency and meeting its obligation based on the Non-Proliferation Treaty is enough to resolve the tensions.
The U.S. State Department spokesman emphasised that there is an opportunity regarding Rohani's victory and if Iran can seize it, the U.S. can become a good partner for Iran.
Answering a question about the possible short term encouragement packet for Iran to inspirit Tehran for a solution of the nuclear dispute, Eyre said that the tension over the country's nuclear program concerns the international community as a whole and not only Tehran and Washington.
"The UN Security Council has adopted several sanctions over Iran. Indeed, this is a global concern and the international community univocally states that Iran should cooperate in the nuclear issue", he said.
Eyre said the U.S. is ready to talks with Iran both in framework of P5+1 and direct face-to-face bilateral negotiations.