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Iran and U.S. Signaling Chance of Deal

[Washington Post ] Glenn Kessler - President Bush's decision to shift policy and send Undersecretary of State William Burns to nuclear talks with Iran this weekend in Geneva was made after increasing signs that Iran was open to possible negotiations and that international sanctions were having an impact on the Islamic republic, U.S. officials said Wednesday. Secretary of State Rice pushed for the move in a meeting on Monday of Bush's top aides, and Bush's support suggests he increasingly is determined to put aside a possible military strike in an effort to reach a deal to end Iran's nuclear program in his final six months in office. In 2006, the initial package of incentives included only a vague reference to Iran's security concerns. The new package, by contrast, offers to negotiate extensive security commitments, including supporting Iran in "playing an important and constructive role in international affairs." The administration has also supported EU foreign policy chief Solana's concept of a "freeze for a freeze" that blurs the lines between suspension of uranium enrichment and discussion. Under Solana's plan, preliminary talks could begin as long as Iran does not expand its nuclear program. Then formal negotiations would begin as soon as Iran suspended enrichment.
2008-07-17 01:00:00
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