Consequences yet to unfold out of Iran's extraordinary moment of change: Rice

Washington, June 29 (ANI): Despite Iranian government snuffing out public protest over disputed presidential elections, the event has highlighted an extraordinary unity in the country that will reap out results soon, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, has said.

"Something extraordinary has happened of late in Iran and the popular discontent, the incredible diversity of the coalition that has come together to demand change has been quite extraordinary," Politico quoted Rice, as saying.

"And I think this is a profound moment of change in Iran the implications and consequences of which we are yet to see fully unfold," she added.

On CBS' Face the Nation, host Bob Schieffer asked Rice if the United States considers the Iranian government legitimate and if officials are prepared to talk to Iran.

"Legitimacy obviously is in the eyes of the people and obviously the government's legitimacy has been called into question by the protests in the streets. But that's not the critical issue in terms of our dealings with Iran. We are concerned for our own national interests to ensure that Iran doesn't pursue its nuclear program. We didn't have diplomatic relations with Iran before the election. Obviously, we don't' have them at present," she said. (ANI)