Washington Post: President Bush's decision to shift a long-held stance and allow a top U.S. diplomat to attend nuclear talks with Iran follows a less-noticed but critical policy change last month.
The Washington Post
Thursday, July 17, 2008; A16
President Bush's decision to shift a long-held stance and allow a top U.S. diplomat to attend nuclear talks with Iran follows a less-noticed but critical policy change last month.
The six nations seeking to halt Iran's nuclear ambitions — Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States — have offered Tehran more generous incentives to suspend uranium-enrichment activities, including political pledges for "direct contact and dialogue," a greater Iranian role in world affairs, and refraining from threats of use of force against Iran.
The latest diplomatic package restores inducements Washington had kept out of an offer in 2006 and signals the growing importance of political prestige in bringing Iran to the negotiating table.
— Glenn Kessler
Offer by France, Germany and Britain (August 2005):
· The nations "stress the importance of developing relations of trust and cooperation.
· The nations would "refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
· The nations "would welcome an expanded dialogue and relationship" on regional security.
Offer by France, Germany, Britain, Russia, China and the United States (June 2006):
· The nations would "support . . . a new conference to promote dialogue and cooperation on regional security issues."
Offer by France, Germany, Britain, Russia, China and the United States (June 2008):
· "Improving the six countries' and EU's relations with Iran and building up mutual trust.
· "Encouragement of direct contact and dialogue with Iran.
· "Support Iran in playing an important and constructive role in international affairs.
· "Promotion of dialogue and cooperation on non-proliferation, regional security and stabilization issues.
· "Work with Iran and others in the region to support confidence-building measures and regional security.
· "Support for a conference on regional security issues."
· The nations would "refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state."
