The Associated Press
Sada Cumber, the U.S. liaison to the Organization of the Islamic Conference, voiced hopes that Washington would be able to work with Tehran and other Middle East governments "to make sure there is peace and stability in the region" once the nuclear dispute is settled.
"The United States is committed toward securing a diplomatic resolution with Iran on the nuclear issue," Cumber told a news conference during a visit to Malaysia. "We want Iran to play a responsible role in the region."
The U.S. suspects Iran's nuclear program is aimed at making nuclear weapons. Iran insists it is for peaceful purposes.
Cumber, who was appointed by U.S. President George W. Bush in February as a special envoy to the 57-nation Islamic organization, said the U.S. also hopes to see better understanding and respect between the West and Muslim countries.
"There is not a clash of civilizations, but it's a clash of ignorance … that all sides need to work on," Cumber said.
Many country members of the OIC, which promotes Muslim solidarity in social and political affairs, have condemned U.S. policies in the Middle East toward Iraq, Iran, Lebanon and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Cumber, who is working to help the U.S. burnish its image in the Islamic world, also urged Muslims to emphasize better education and economic opportunities, saying this would curtail key problems such as poverty and radicalism.
