AFP: Caroline Kennedy said Thursday she hoped to carry on the legacy of her slain father John F. Kennedy by serving as the US ambassador to Japan, pledging to work for closer ties. Kennedy praised Japan for cutting down on oil imports from Iran.
‘Humbled’ Kennedy seeks deeper ties with Japan
A friendlier Iran: Diplomatic breakthrough or sinister feint?
U.S.News & World Report: Iran’s new President Hasan Rouhani has taken steps to improve relations with the West, but some observers question his sincerity. Former political prisoner warns against historic trickery while ambassador sees thawing relations.
Former top diplomats say Iran dissidents massacred
AP: Two former foreign ministers of France and Algeria say a Sept. 1 attack in Iraq that killed 52 members of an Iranian dissident group was a premeditated massacre, and the United Nations must press for the release of seven more who had were taken hostage while seeking asylum.
Iran’s Rouhani says wants peace, blames Israel for region’s ‘instability’
Reuters: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, in a television interview, said his country is not seeking war but harshly criticized Israel for bringing “instability” to the Middle East and for questioning his government’s intentions toward nuclear arms.
Shelton: Betrayal at Camp Ashraf
Washington Times: While the world awaits a United Nations decision regarding Syria, another humanitarian tragedy has taken place in Iraq’s Camp Ashraf. It was an outright massacre and must not be ignored.
Iraqi envoy ducks Iran exiles questions in online chat
AFP: Iraq’s new ambassador to the United States Wednesday repeatedly dodged questions about a mass killing at an Iraqi camp hosting Iranian exiles during his first online Twitter chat since taking up his post in July.
Iran ‘never’ to seek nuclear weapon: Rowhani
AFP: Iran will never seek nuclear weapons, newly elected President Hassan Rowhani vowed Wednesday, as he reached out to longtime enemy the United States.
Iran’s Sotoudeh says will continue defending rights
AFP: Prominent Iranian lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh told AFP on Wednesday she was in “good” condition after three years in prison, and that she would continue defending human rights.
Israel accuses Iran of deception to buy time for atom work
Reuters: Israel accused Iran on Wednesday of using “deception and concealment” to buy time for its nuclear programme, signalling scepticism about the new Iranian president’s move away from the hardline stance of his predecessor.
No bail for African charged in Iran-uranium plot
AP: A West African man was ordered jailed Thursday until trial on U.S. charges that he attempted to broker an illegal deal to ship tons of uranium ore from Sierra Leone to Iran, including a trip to the U.S. with uranium ore samples concealed in shoes inside his luggage.
