White House rules out one-on-one talks with Iran

Washington, Dec 7: The White House said it has ruled out one-on-one talks with Iran about Iraq unless Tehran suspends nuclear activities, after the Iraq Study Group recommended more engagement with the Islamic republic.

The report by the bipartisan panel recommended that the White House overcome its resistance to dealing directly with Iran and Syria.

''It's not clear ... whether the report advocates one-on-one talks with Iran, there is talk about developing a support group,'' White House spokesman Tony Snow said yesterday.

''There may be a difference between one-on-one talks with Iran, which is something that we have ruled out,'' he said.

''Unless Iran verifiably suspends its enrichment and reprocessing activities.'' President George W Bush has repeatedly said Iran must suspend its nuclear activities program. ''The president believes that Iran has to change its behavior,'' Snow said.

He emphasized that the White House would look carefully at the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group. ''I don't want to rule out entirely because it's worth taking a look at what all this means.''

Reuters

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