Iranian FM hopes Kerry will soften U.S. ‘anti-Iran’ policyFebruary 1, 2013 - 18:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi wished success to his new American counterpart John Kerry on Friday, Feb 1, and expressed the hope that he will manage to soften "anti-Iranian" U.S. policy, AFP reports. Salehi said the former presidential candidate and senator was a known figure in the U.S. foreign policy field and has good knowledge of current events in the Middle East. "I hope that, thanks to his personal characteristics, he will be able to change part of the anti-Iran approach and policy of the American government," Salehi said in remarks to the Fars news agency. "Whatever the case, I wish for him a good grasp of truth and reality in this difficult mission and... success." Salehi added that he was awaiting the outcome of "other nominations in the American government to see if President Barack Obama... wants to carry out his promises to change US foreign policy, particularly its policy of hostility toward the Iranian people." Iran and the United States have not had diplomatic relations in 30 years. Washington is at the forefront of international efforts to force Tehran to stop enriching uranium, which the United States and other countries believe is part of a secret plan to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran insists that its atomic energy program is purely peaceful. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |