Top American politician optimistic about future of Iran-U.S. ties
Tehran, July 21, IRNA -- Veteran American politician and expert in the
Middle East issues Richard Murphy said on Saturday there are many
prospects as for the future of the Iran-U.S. ties since a firm
determination is seen on both sides to resume bilateral relations.
In an interview with IRNA correspondent in Madrid, Murphy who is
currently the head of the Institute for the Middle Eastern studies in
Washington said one should be optimistic about the future of the ties
between the two states.
Murphy was formerly the U.S. under-secretary of states.
The following is the full text of the interview conducted by IRNA correspondent with Richard Murphy:
Q: What do you think about the future of the relations between Iran and the United States?
A: "I think there is always reason to be hopeful, we have in
Washington a new administration, in Tehran president Khatami just reelected.
This summer, in fact nearly in the next three weeks, I believe
will be a vote in the American Congress about the Iran (and) Libya
sanctions act and all I can say is that personally I hope that those,
in the American administration, who have argued for a limited extension
of that act will be successful, but there are many votes in the Senate
and the House of Representatives, where the members say they want to
see an extension for another five years."
"Now if that happens, I will be sorry because I think it's the
time right now for the two, the Iranians and the Americans to think
about some new start in the relationship and if it is voted for
the further five years that puts it beyond this new American
administration and beyond the new Khatami administration."
"So let's hope that it doesn't happen. If it's got to be extended
because of the feeling of the Congress, I hope it's for a limited
time. If it is extended for five years the president in Washington
still has the opportunity to take certain initiatives in terms of
the executive orders which are under his control which could
facilitate a better relationship in terms of trade and commercial
exchanges. But the Act itself inhibits, prevents American companies
in the energy sector from being involved in Iran which I regret."
Q: Is the United States ready to enter into negotiations with
Iran as a country of the same position as Iran and not as a superpower?
A: "In fact yes ... my answer is absolutely yes. America after
all, yes we are called the world's only superpower. If that were by
definition to create an obstacle, we would have no relations with any
country in the world and that's be foolish."
"We have a dialogue with countries that have half a million
people. I'm thinking in the Arabian states in the Golf area. In the
Latin America we have very good dialogue with many small populations,
small states with small limited economies. Dialogue is normal
diplomatic relations between states. So I'm optimistic we'll find the
key to open the door it has to be mutual, Iran has to want it as
Washington has to want it. It takes two."
Q: As you know the United States have frozen Iran's assets. Do you think the
United States is ready to show a good will gesture by releasing Iran's assets?
A: "It's been claims, claims for Iran, claims for America that
have been under negotiation at The Hague, since ... well year after
the Revolution they started. So ... yes this is going ahead as rutine
so nothing is impossible".
Q: What do you mean by suggesting the re-establishment of the ties
between Iran and the United States and what do you think in this connection?
A: "I want a normal exchange between countries that treat each
other ... all right . We don't agree on many subjects, other subjects we
do agree such as narcotics, the drugs, such as the problems in Afghanistan.
There are areas where we'll have common concerns, common interests."
Q: What role could you play in re-establishing the Iran-U.S.
relations and could you in fact play a part in this regard?
A: "If my government would ask me, but I'm not a member of the
American administration. I've retired from the government for twelve
years. I'll do any thing I can to help. Yes"
Q: Your country has acknowledged that it has interfered in Iran's internal
affairs. Is the U.S. determined to do away with its past
policies in this
regard in future or would it go ahead with its previous policy?
A: "I think that Washington is very much interested in a normal
relationship, an open relationship with Iran. There is no basis in
Tehran to be concerned that the United State is opposed to the
Islamic Republic of Iran. There is no basis for that."
Q: The American authorities fingerprint the Iranians entering the United
States. So how could you claim to be willing to resume ties with Iran?
A: "It's an insult, yes. I wish it would be changed. I wish it would
be dropped. I hope it will be. It's a bad impression. I agree with you."
Q: Don't you think it was a bad gesture on the part of the
American officials to extend the anti-Iran sanctions. This would
result in the United States's deeper isolation.
A: "The U.S. is isolated at this time on the question of sanctions
against Iran. They're unilateral American sanctions, they are not
global. They are not supported worldwide."
Q: Finally, would the United States sanction any firm willing to invest in Iran?
A: "Well that sanction's Act during the Clinton's administration
it was passed, during Clinton's time and there was an investment by
Total with Malaysia and Russia. They three together invested in
exploration development of one of the fields, and the sanction was
not applied, the act was not applied. It was studied and then
Secretary of State Albright said it would not be applied."
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