Iran's Supreme Leader Dismisses Obama's Appeal

[Hissyspit]

Source: Voice of America

Iran's Supreme Leader Dismisses Obama's Appeal

By VOA News
21 March 2009

Iran's supreme leader is dismissing calls from U.S. President Barack Obama for a "new beginning" in relations between the two countries. Speaking in the holy city of Mashhad Saturday, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that, despite Mr. Obama's words, he sees no change in U.S. policy toward Iran. Earlier, a senior Iranian official welcomed the U.S. president's appeal while also warning words alone were not enough to improve relations.

In a videotaped message to the Iranian people marking the New Year holiday of Nowruz, Mr. Obama said Friday he is committed to diplomacy to address "serious differences" between the U.S. and Iran.

U.S. State Department spokesman Robert Wood said the message is one of several gestures planned by the administration to advance better relations with Iran. He said the U.S. was looking for a reciprocal gesture from Iran.

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Leaders of the European Union, Germany and France all welcomed Mr. Obama's overture to Iran. Mr. Obama's remarks are in contrast to those of his predecessor, George W. Bush, who tried to isolate Iran and described it as part of an "Axis of Evil." Iranian President Ahmadinejad has said Iran is ready for talks with the U.S. in an atmosphere of "mutual respect."

Read more: http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-03-21-voa6.cfm