Israel Matzav

Great news: Obama ready to meet Ahmadinejad

President Obama's national security adviser, James Jones, indicated on Wednesday that the door is open for a meeting between President Obama and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad - provided Ahmadinejad agrees to resume negotiations with the IAEA.

The retired general also indicated that the return of three American hikers held in Iran for the past year would be an “important gesture”.

Earlier this month, Mr Ahmadinejad requested face-to-face talks with Mr Obama during the UN General Assembly meeting in New York. The White House had appeared to rule out any meeting.

However, in an interview with CNN, Gen Jones said “the door’s open” if the Iranians agree to resume talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

When asked whether Mr Obama may meet the Iranian leader, Gen Jones said: “Ultimately if we find a convergence of paths all things are possible.

“One thing they might do is return our three hikers. That would be an important gesture. It could lead to better relations.” However, the President’s national security adviser said there would be “no point in a theatrical meeting.” It is unlikely that the Iranians will agree to the American’s demands as the regime has repeatedly circumvented previous attempts to rein in its nuclear programme.

Earlier this month, Mr Ahmadinejad said he was ready for face-to-face talks.

There are two problems here. One is that no one should be 'negotiating' with Ahamdinejad right now. We should be looking for a total and verifiable halt to the nuclear program before anything else happens.

Second, even a meeting were a good idea, 'resuming negotiations' is far too low a price for it.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 10:01 PM