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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| US offers Iran a 'new beginning' | US offers Iran a 'new beginning' |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| US President Barack Obama has offered "a new beginning" of engagement with Tehran in an unprecedented direct video message to the Iranian people. | US President Barack Obama has offered "a new beginning" of engagement with Tehran in an unprecedented direct video message to the Iranian people. |
| "My administration is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of issues before us," Mr Obama said. | "My administration is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of issues before us," Mr Obama said. |
| His message was released to coincide with the festival of Nowruz - when Iranians mark the arrival of spring. | His message was released to coincide with the festival of Nowruz - when Iranians mark the arrival of spring. |
| Relations between Iran and the US have been strained over Tehran's controversial nuclear activities. | Relations between Iran and the US have been strained over Tehran's controversial nuclear activities. |
| The US fears Iran's uranium enrichment programme is a cover to build atomic weapons, a charge Iranian officials deny. | The US fears Iran's uranium enrichment programme is a cover to build atomic weapons, a charge Iranian officials deny. |
| Warning | Warning |
| In his message, President Obama said he wanted "to speak directly to the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran". | In his message, President Obama said he wanted "to speak directly to the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran". |
| The United States wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations. You have that right - but it come with real responsibilities US President Barack Obama | The United States wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations. You have that right - but it come with real responsibilities US President Barack Obama |
| He said his administration was committed "to pursuing constructive ties among the United States, Iran and the international community". | He said his administration was committed "to pursuing constructive ties among the United States, Iran and the international community". |
| "With the coming of a new season, we're reminded of this precious humanity that we all share. And we can once again call upon this spirit as we seek the promise of a new beginning," the message said. | "With the coming of a new season, we're reminded of this precious humanity that we all share. And we can once again call upon this spirit as we seek the promise of a new beginning," the message said. |
| But Mr Obama warned: "This process will not be advanced by threats. We seek instead engagement that is honest and grounded in mutual respect." | But Mr Obama warned: "This process will not be advanced by threats. We seek instead engagement that is honest and grounded in mutual respect." |
| Iran insists that is nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes | Iran insists that is nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes |
| "The United States wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations. You have that right - but it come with real responsibilities." | "The United States wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations. You have that right - but it come with real responsibilities." |
| Mr Obama's message was also distributed to news outlets in the region with subtitles in Farsi, and posted on the White House's official website. | |
| The message is a dramatic departure from the policies of the George W Bush's administration, which described Iran as part of the "axis of evil", the BBC's Jonathan Beale in Washington says. | The message is a dramatic departure from the policies of the George W Bush's administration, which described Iran as part of the "axis of evil", the BBC's Jonathan Beale in Washington says. |
| Earlier this year, President Obama said he was looking for "openings that can be created where we can start sitting across the table face-to-face" with Iran. | Earlier this year, President Obama said he was looking for "openings that can be created where we can start sitting across the table face-to-face" with Iran. |
| However, Mr Obama acknowledged in his message on Thursday that it would not be easy to overcome "the old divisions". | However, Mr Obama acknowledged in his message on Thursday that it would not be easy to overcome "the old divisions". |
| Mr Obama has talked of engagement with Iran but has not made clear how that might take place. | Mr Obama has talked of engagement with Iran but has not made clear how that might take place. |
| Shortly after coming to office in January, he said "if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fists, they will find an extended hand from us". | Shortly after coming to office in January, he said "if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fists, they will find an extended hand from us". |
| But earlier this month he extended sanctions against Iran for a year, saying it continues to pose a threat to US national security. | But earlier this month he extended sanctions against Iran for a year, saying it continues to pose a threat to US national security. |