Mutual trust key to US-Iran talks on Afghanistan, Taliban, nuke programme: Ahmadinejad

TEHRAN - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has reportedly agreed for an open diplomatic discussion with the United States on the subjects of Afghanistan, the Taliban and its controversial nuclear programme, provided it is based on “mutual trust.”

Besides the United States, Ahmadinejad said that his government would hold discussions on its nuclear programme with other western powers as well.

“I think that discussions are always good, provided they are done respectfully and based on mutual trust. If the US administration truly wishes to alter its policies in Afghanistan, and in Iraq, and to move in a direction that serves the interest of the people of those two countries, we are always open to cooperation, as we are now,” The Dawn quoted Ahmadinejad, as saying.

Ahmadinejad is scheduled to attend the UN General Assembly in New York this week.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Iran should return to the “P5 Plus One” forum to discuss its nuclear programme.

She noted that US-backed UN sanctions were “biting” Iran’s economy, especially its financial sector, and the talks offer was a “way out of increasing opprobrium from the international community”.

Earlier, UN chief Ban Ki-Moon had asked Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to cooperate with the international community in working towards “a mutually acceptable agreement” on Tehran’’s nuclear programme in conformity with relevant Security Council resolutions. (ANI)