LOC21:44
18:44 GMT
BERLIN, April 10 (KUNA) -- German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier
welcomed on Friday US readiness to start direct negotiations with Iran
regarding Tehran's nuclear program.
The US government initiative regarding direct negotiations is a new and
forward political step, the German minister said in a statement published by
ministry's website.
Steinmeier also noted that the direct negotiations would be a new path to
improve relations between Washington and Tehran.
The minister called on Iran to take advantage of this opportunity and kick
start long awaited talks, noting that such relations would need a positive
dialogue and vital steps toward building bilateral trust.
Last Wednesday, UN Security Council members, including German agreed to ask
EU foreign policy Chief Javier Solana to talk to the Iranians to hold
negotiations with the US to discuss Iran's nuclear program and end the
dispute. (end)
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