U.S. Embassies to invite Iranian diplomats to July 7 celebrationsJune 3, 2009 - 13:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Obama administration has authorized its embassies to invite Iranian diplomats to U.S. Independence Day celebrations on the Fourth of July.Officials say the State Department sent a cable to all its embassies on Friday, telling them they "may invite representatives from the government of Iran" to their annual holiday parties. The gatherings, hosted by U.S. embassies around the world on or around July 4, generally feature fireworks, red, white and blue decorations and typical American food such as hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as remarks about American history. The cable was first reported by the New York Times on Tuesday, and then confirmed by the Associated Press. The State Department says the move is part of U.S. President Barack Obama's effort to reach out to Iran and improve relations between the two countries after decades of hostility. It is not yet known how many embassies will invite Iranian diplomats to their Independence Day celebrations, and whether any Iranians will accept those invitations, VOA News reported. Iran and the United States cut all diplomatic ties after the seizure of the U.S. embassy in Tehran in 1979. In March, President Obama recorded a videotaped message for the Nowruz holiday, saying he wants "a new beginning" in relations with Iran. He said he is committed to diplomacy to resolve "serious differences" between the two countries. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Get Started: An educational platform for young startuppers The Get Started program which operates in two phases is an important platform for young startuppers. Byblos Bank Armenia celebrates Students' Day with scholarship recipients YSU students who received scholarships from Byblos Bank Armenia gathered in a casual setting to meet with the Bank's CEO, Hayk Stepanyan. Azerbaijan extends Rune Vardanyan’s arrest by 5 months A court in Azerbaijan has extended the arrest of former Nagorno-Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan by five months. Armenia border residents dissatisfied with delimitation Residents Kirants are dissatisfied with the results of the delimitation of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. |