Iran will consider U.S. offer of talks if it sees positive changes: Ahmadinejad

TEHRAN,Feb.7(MNA) – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that Iran will positively consider the United States’ offer of bilateral talks if it observes positive changes in the U.S. actions. “The remarks heard from U.S. officials are new and positive, and we hope positive changes are made in their actions, and if we see positive changes in their actions, in this case, we will consider it (the offer) with a positive attitude,” Ahmadinejad said during a question-and-answer session with a number of Egyptian media people and authors in Cairo late on Tuesday. Ahmadinejad, the first Iranian head of state to visit Egypt in 34 years, arrived in the Egyptian capital on Tuesday to attend the two-day summit of heads of state and government of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which opened on Wednesday. Encouraging news being heard from Syria Commenting on the situation in Syria, the Iranian president said, “We believe that national sovereignty, justice, and respect are fundamental rights of all countries and should be respected, but these rights cannot be gained through war, but rather they can be gained through national understanding, particularly in Syria that has a tribal society.” “Encouraging remarks are being heard about Syria, and we hope that the situation will be prepared for national understanding in the country,” he added. Iran ready to increase diplomatic ties with Egypt Commenting on relations between Iran and Egypt, Ahmadinejad said, “The two countries of Iran and Egypt are cultured and justice-seeking countries, and wish peace and friendship for all nations.” “The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to enhance the level of diplomatic ties with Egypt,” he added. The Islamic Republic of Iran cut diplomatic ties with Egypt in 1980 after the Islamic Revolution of 1979 because Egypt signed a peace treaty with Israel and offered asylum to former Iranian dictator Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. On the Palestinian issue, Ahmadinejad said, “If Iran and Egypt stand by each other, the Palestinian issue will be resolved to the benefit of the Palestinian nation.” Asked to comment on Iran’s relations with the Persian Gulf countries, Ahmadinejad said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran’s relations with many Persian Gulf littoral states are very positive and constructive.” The West is seeking to give the impression that there is tension and disagreement in the Persian Gulf region, he said, adding, “The countries in the Persian Gulf region are brothers and friends, and they have no disagreement with each other.” “The Westerners intend to establish dominance in the Middle East region because the region is replete with energy (reserves) and wealth,” Ahmadinejad said. He added, “If we are united, they cannot realize this goal of theirs.”