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Iran's new leader Rouhani urges 'serious' nuclear talks | |
(35 minutes later) | |
Iran's new president has called for "serious and substantive" talks with the international community about the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme. | |
At the first news conference since his inauguration, Hassan Rouhani said he was confident both sides' concerns could be resolved in a short time. | |
But a solution could be reached "solely through talks, not threats", he warned. | |
On Sunday, the US said his presidency presented an opportunity for Iran to resolve the world's "deep concerns". | |
"Should this new government choose to engage substantively and seriously to meet its international obligations and find a peaceful solution to this issue, it will find a willing partner in the United States," it added. | |
The White House statement came after Mr Rouhani presented to Iran's parliament a new cabinet dominated by technocrats who had previously served under a moderate former president, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. | |
At Tuesday's news conference, Mr Rouhani also vowed that his government would be accountable and act transparently. | |
He said he would keep his promise to "report on the progress made and the achievements, as well as the shortcomings and failings". | |
"Without the people's support, the government will have no chance of meeting its long-term goals," he warned. | |
Mr Rouhani inherits range of problems from former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, including high inflation, diminishing revenues and foreign reserves, possible food shortages, as well as US new sanctions on Iran's nuclear programme. |