SUMMARY:The manoeuvring via public relations over nuclear talks escalated on Wednesday, with President Rouhani giving an interview to an American TV channel and both Washington and Tehran confirming Rouhanis exchange of letters with Barack Obama opening up discussions on the issue.Rouhani, telling NBC News that Iran will never develop nuclear weapons, said he can reach an agreement: In its nuclear program, this government enters with full power and has complete authority.We have sufficient political latitude to solve this problem.
Rouhani put the challenge to the US and its allies, The problem wont be from our side.
The President referred to a letter from Obama, soon after Rouhanis election in June, and his reply: From my point of view, the tone of the letter was positive and constructive.
He continued, It could be subtle and tiny steps for a very important future. I believe the leaders in all countries could think in their national interest and they should not be under the influence of pressure groups. I hope to witness such an atmosphere in the future.
The White House effectively supported Rouhani in a press conference, with spokesman Jay Carney confirming Obama told Rouhani the US is open to a resolution to the nuclear issue in which Iran proves its program is peaceful although he added that the window for a deal will not remain open indefinitely.
Rouhani signalled in his interview, We have never pursued or sought a nuclear bomb, and we are not going to do so, he said. We solely are looking for peaceful nuclear technology.
Maybe Twitter and Facebook Are Blocked, Maybe They Arent
Amid this weeks flutters over Internet censorship with the regime briefly lifting restrictions on Twitter and Facebook and unblocking some websites Irans police chief Esmail Ahamadi Moghaddamoffers a clarification: the use of filtered social networks is illegal, but is allowed if it serves the nezam [system].
More on Release of Political PrisonersAnd What May Happen Next
In a separate special, we profile Wednesdays sudden release of 16 political prisoners and ask, Will the President can the President release Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, the Presidential candidates who have been under strict house arrest since February 2011?
This morning, more pictures of celebration freed human rights attorney Nasrin Sotoudeh:
#Iranlawyer Nasrin#Sotoudeh. On her scarf: "I shall greet the sun again". Photo: Kaveh Rostamkhani via@pedestrianpic.twitter.com/XMR2D2St3m
Negar Mortazavi (@NegarMortazavi)September 19, 2013
And a tantalizing retweet from Rouhanis office sharing the happiness:
Lawyer Nasrin#Sotoudehwith her family after being released earlier today.#hope#iran#progresspic.twitter.com/I8rk49JAEP
Meet Iran (@MeetIran)September 18, 2013
And another name of a freed detainee: Ali Khodabakhsh, financier of several reformist newspapers.
By EA WorldView
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