Iran’s Supreme Leader Dismisses Obama’s Appeal
By VOA News
21 March 2009
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers speech during conference in Tehran in support of Gaza and Palestinians, 04 Mar 2009
Iran＇s supreme leader is dismissing calls from U.S. President Barack Obama＇s for a "new beginning" in relations between the two countries.
Speaking in the holy city of Mashhad Saturday, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the U.S. is using "the slogan of change," but that he sees no real change in U.S. policy toward Iran.
He also asked how President Obama could congratulate Iranians marking the New Year holiday of Nowruz, but at the same time accuse them of supporting terrorists and seeking nuclear weapons.
In a videotaped message to the Iranian people, Mr. Obama said Friday he is committed to diplomacy to address "serious differences" between the U.S. and Iran.
Earlier, a senior Iranian official welcomed the U.S. president＇s appeal while also warning words alone were not enough to improve relations.
Ayatollah Khamenei also used his speech Saturday to list Iran＇s grievances with the United States from the past 30 years, including U.S. support of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in the 1980s and the U.S. downing of an Iranian passenger plane in 1988.
He told the crowd in Mashhad that Iran will continue to watch the U.S. and then judge the country on its actions.
U.S. State Department spokesman Robert Wood said Friday the Nowruz message from President Obama is one of several gestures planned by the administration to advance better relations with Iran. He said the U.S. was looking for a reciprocal gesture from Iran.
The White House released Mr. Obama＇s videotape message with Persian subtitles, and the president spoke directly to the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic. He said the process of engagement will not be advanced by threats, but by honesty and mutual respect.
Leaders of the European Union, Germany and France all welcomed Mr. Obama＇s overture to Iran.
Mr. Obama＇s remarks are in contrast to those of his predecessor, George W. Bush, who tried to isolate Iran and described it as part of an "Axis of Evil."
Iranian President Ahmadinejad has said Iran is ready for talks with the U.S. in an atmosphere of "mutual respect."
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently invited Iran to take part in an international conference on Afghanistan.
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