US Secretary of State welcomes Rouhani’s comments regarding Iran’s nuclear programme; White House spokesman: Possibility of a meeting between Obama and Rouhani
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  • (SEPTEMBER 16-22)

    According to reports, US Secretary of State John Kerry has said that Rouhani's recent comments, including the one that his country will not develop nuclear weapons, have been "very positive" but everything needs to be put to "the test." Kerry also mentioned that "we'll see where we go.”I think Rouhani's comments have been very positive, but everything needs to be put to the test," Kerry told reporters at the State Department headquarters, when asked about the new statements coming from Tehran. In an interview to the NBC news channel aired, Rouhani said "under no circumstances would we seek any weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, nor will we ever." He further clarified that "what we wish for in this region is rule by the will of the people. We believe in the ballot box. We do not seek war with any country. We seek peace and friendship among the nations of the region." 1

    Meanwhile, according to reports, the White House said it was possible that President Barack Obama would meet with Hassan Rouhani in New York next week if Tehran signalled it was serious about resolving the dispute over its nuclear program. Obama and Rouhani will be in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, and speculation has grown that the two leaders might have an encounter of some type. White House spokesman Jay Carney has deflected questions all week about whether the two leaders would meet during the UN gathering. He acknowledged a change in tone between Iran and the West since Rouhani took office and said a meeting was possible, though one was not scheduled. "It's possible, but it has always been possible," Carney said. "The extended hand has been there from the moment the president was sworn in." When Obama first ran for president in 2008, he said he would hold direct negotiations with Iran under certain conditions. Carney said Obama still holds that position. 2

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