WASHINGTON (CNN) – U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice condemned Iranian “show trials” of pro-democracy protestors and activists Sunday - and told CNN the possibility of a diplomatic resolution to end the standoff over that country’s nuclear program had an expiration date.
“Reports of torture are of great concern to us and suggest the regime in Iran is not reconciled to the concerns of its people and their reactions, their very compelling reactions to the elections,” she told CNN’s John King on “State of the Union.”
The protests hadn’t ended the prospect of negotiations, said Rice. “Obviously we’re deeply concerned by the elections and its aftermath,” she said. “But let’s be realistic: this is not a regime that was a golden child prior the election, and suddenly turned evil. This is a regime with whom we’ve had grave concerns for many, many years.
“…We believe there is a prospect through engagement and through dialogue” to negotiate a peaceful end to the country’s nuclear program, said Rice. “That option remains on the table - but it is not out there forever. …And indeed, if there is not [an] indication Iran is willing to open up and dismantle its nuclear program,” the administration will re-assess the situation.
“We will do a stock-taking in September,” she said.
From CNN Politics
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Why does everyone forget to add ISRAEL when they talk about IRAN ending nuclear material? Could it be because the US keeps providing ISRAEL with nuclear war materials?
Could you get us the answers please. Thank you.
How can we understand a US administration trying to solve a problem in an intelligent way without bellicose talk ? Thank you Susan Rice ! Thank you President Obama ! If this were still the Bush administration , we would be sending ultimatuns to Teheran !
“Reports of torture are of great concern to us..." Sorry Susan Rice but such a statement made by an American government official these days rings hollow in the international community... for obvious reasons.
usa doesn't care about poor iranian people, usa only wants their Oil.
It is because of the "Bush Administration" that we must tiptoe around this subject now - our credibility was greatly harmed – almost like the old saying "the Pot calling the Kettle Black" – We need to condemn action of the past to condemn actions ot the now.....Amnesty International is one hope....
The Obama Administration needs to employ a more ADULT foreign policy philosophy and perspective, in respect to Iran (and the greater Middle East)...
...Israel is the 800 lb. gorilla in the room, and until Israel is put in check (in regards to THEIR nuclear weapons, Palestinian question, and Israel's crimes against humanity)...
...the ME is going to remain a basket case...
...After witnessing Israel's recent incursions into Lebanon, and the Gaza strip, and the unGodly civilian casualties the Israelis caused in those actions, who can blame the Iranians, Syrians and others in that region for seeking military parity/ leverage against an ostensiblty barbarous and immoral (U.S. backed) Israeli military machine?
Keep an eye on Russia.
Putin is licking his chops that this is such a weak administration.
Russia will start making power plays in 2010 and all Obama will be able to do is lay out 3 points. Point #1....#2...and #3....
Blah blah blah. Weak weak weak.
Meanwhile while our congress is on vacation Iran continues to enrich Uranium.
I would like to see some hardline sanctions against Iran by September 30th.
Oh wait, what's that? This is a Democrat controlled congress and President? Oh yeah, so we'll see nothing happen and then in 2010 they'll try to take a case to the UN where it will fester untouched with no direct actionable items.
By then Iran should have what two or three nuclear warheads aimed at Israel?
Israel will decide their own fate and Obama won't be able to do a thing about it. Watch how fast the stock markets tank when Israel attacks Iran. Then Palestine will retaliate and Syria will join in (armed by Iran) and Iran will play the victim on the world stage while empowering Syria and Palestine to do the dirty work.
All too perfect if you ask me.
"engage through dialogue"
Translation: pour in more and more money that we do not have, just to pacify Iran for a few more years until they test their first nuclear weapon, then try to engage in dialogue again
Havent we learned anything from Clinton and Bush and now Obama? Action works. Talking doesn't. We've given Israel the technology and the ability to protect or to pre-emptively strike. It's up to Israel how it uses that potential... our double standards are the point of anger in the Middle East.
Give me a break, Russia is a weak country...no threat to the USA. The Obama administration are intellectually superior to be intimidated by any country or administration, militarially or economically.
Why will there be a "stock-taking?" I thought all troops were already home. Wasn't that what Obama said? Weren't they supposed to be coming home the day after he took office?
We dont believe any of this stuff.They just want to make the arms companies more money.
To "Fed up"... I think you are thinking of IraQ, not IraN, and, yes, those plans to re-allocate our troops from that mess in Iraq to the real epicenter of terror in Afghanistan are progressing well. What a typical knee-jerk, anti-Obama response. You may want to think before you post... you may just want to think... it's really enlightening.
To Fed Up : The story is about IRAN not Iraq, get a clue! IDIOT!!!!!
Big Papa, you do pose the darndest questions and make the most contentious arguments.
Israel's military excursions have been defensive responses to hostile neighbors.
At what point do you stop talking to these people and substitute action? The best thing we can do is to support those inside Iran who are desirous of a free and open society. The leaders in Iran are leopards whose spots will not change.