AP: Russia’s U.N. ambassador on Friday rejected proposals for the U.N. Security Council to demand a quick progress report on Iran’s suspect nuclear program, saying – only half in jest – that fast action could lead to the bombing of Iran by June.
Russia rejects U.N. proposals on Iran
Iran called on to resume nuclear talks
AP: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and her counterparts from Australia and Japan urged Iran on Saturday to suspend all uranium enrichment activities and resume negotiations over its disputed nuclear program.
Iran links Britain to shooting of 21 officials
The Guardian: Iran accused Britain of trying to stir religious and ethnic unrest in its eastern border region yesterday after armed rebels ambushed a party of government officials and killed 21..
Why Iran wants to talk
Washington Post – Editorial: It’s easy to see the potential advantage to Iran of opening negotiations with the United States on Iraq. The sudden announcement by Iran’s national security chief Thursday that Tehran would accept an offer of dialogue made months ago by the U.S. ambassador in Baghdad came as members of the U.N. Security Council were meeting to discuss a council statement about the Iranian nuclear program.
US skeptical of Iran offer on Iraq talks
Reuters: White House national security adviser Stephen Hadley expressed skepticism on Friday about Iran’s offer to talk to the United States about Iraq, saying it may be an attempt to divert pressure over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
China shows flexibility on Iran
Reuters: China on Friday offered a compromise on a U.N. statement aimed at reining in Iran’s nuclear ambitions while Russia opposed a big role for the Security Council, which has the power to impose sanctions.
Iran Sunni rebels claim attack that killed 22 – TV
Reuters: A Sunni rebel group said on Friday it was behind an attack that killed 22 people in a remote region in southeastern Iran that officials had blamed on bandits, Al Arabiya television said.
U.S. envoy discusses plans for Iran talks
AP: U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said Friday that discussions were under way about when he would meet with Iranian officials about Iraq and that the talks should be held in Baghdad.
Crackdown won’t stop women’s movement, activists vow
IPS: Despite suffering under some of the most draconian laws in the world, Iranian women remain at the forefront of the battle for equality and democracy, as shown by their courage on International Women’s Day last week, Iranian women’s rights advocates here say.
Iran cleric says nuclear capability is the dignity of Islam
Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Mar. 17 A senior Iranian Ayatollah said on Friday that Iran would never back down from its nuclear pursuit and the nuclear capability was the dignity of Islam, state television reported.
