Press divided on Iran-US talks

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/6653275.stm

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Some Iranian newspapers hail America's agreement to talk to Iran about Iraq as recognition that the country is a significant player in the Middle East.

Others link the Iraq talks to issues such as Iran's nuclear programme and say Iran should set conditions.

Three papers are convinced Iran has nothing to gain from the talks, while America can only win.

HARD-LINE IRAN

It has been proved internationally that the problems in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and the Middle East cannot be solved without Iran... The Americans are at last obliged to recognise Iran as an effective player in the region.

REFORMIST E'TEMAD-E MELLI

The official announcement confirming the two sides will negotiate over Iraq soon is very sensible and significant... America can stabilise Iraq and Afghanistan with Iran's help... On the other hand, America holds the key to Iran's nuclear problem.

CONSERVATIVE HAMSHAHRI

The negotiations are not about nuclear tension or bilateral relations. They are about Iraq... However, negotiations will pave the way for more negotiations in future. Iran should set certain pre-conditions, like the release of Iranian diplomats kidnapped in Arbil.

HARD-LINE KEYHAN

Actually Iran and America have no common interests in Iraq, the Middle East or even in Iran's nuclear issue. It is not clear what Iran wants from the Americans, while America has won many concessions from Iran over these negotiations.

CONSERVATIVE TEHRAN-E-EMRUZ

If the situation in Iraq improves after negotiations, America will claim that Iran was the root of the insecurity and if Iraq becomes more insecure, the Americans will say that it's useless negotiating with Iran. So in both scenarios, America will achieve its aims.

REFORMIST AFTAB-E YAZD

Has US behaviour changed so much after the Sharm el-Sheikh conference that Iran has been persuaded to talk to Washington?

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