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U.S. EMBASSIES TO INVITE IRANIAN DIPLOMATS TO JULY 7 CELEBRATIONS
/PanARMENIAN.Net/
03.06.2009 12:42 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Obama administration has authorized its embassies
to invite Iranian diplomats to U.S. Independence Day celebrations on
the Fourth of July.
Officials say the State Department sent a cable to all its embassies
on Friday, telling them they "may invite representatives from the
government of Iran" to their annual holiday parties.
The gatherings, hosted by U.S. embassies around the world on or around
July 4, generally feature fireworks, red, white and blue decorations
and typical American food such as hot dogs and hamburgers, as well
as remarks about American history.
The cable was first reported by the New York Times on Tuesday, and
then confirmed by the Associated Press. The State Department says the
move is part of U.S. President Barack Obama's effort to reach out to
Iran and improve relations between the two countries after decades
of hostility.
It is not yet known how many embassies will invite Iranian diplomats
to their Independence Day celebrations, and whether any Iranians will
accept those invitations, VOA News reported.
Iran and the United States cut all diplomatic ties after the seizure
of the U.S. embassy in Tehran in 1979.
In March, President Obama recorded a videotaped message for the Nowruz
holiday, saying he wants "a new beginning" in relations with Iran. He
said he is committed to diplomacy to resolve "serious differences"
between the two countries.
/PanARMENIAN.Net/
03.06.2009 12:42 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Obama administration has authorized its embassies
to invite Iranian diplomats to U.S. Independence Day celebrations on
the Fourth of July.
Officials say the State Department sent a cable to all its embassies
on Friday, telling them they "may invite representatives from the
government of Iran" to their annual holiday parties.
The gatherings, hosted by U.S. embassies around the world on or around
July 4, generally feature fireworks, red, white and blue decorations
and typical American food such as hot dogs and hamburgers, as well
as remarks about American history.
The cable was first reported by the New York Times on Tuesday, and
then confirmed by the Associated Press. The State Department says the
move is part of U.S. President Barack Obama's effort to reach out to
Iran and improve relations between the two countries after decades
of hostility.
It is not yet known how many embassies will invite Iranian diplomats
to their Independence Day celebrations, and whether any Iranians will
accept those invitations, VOA News reported.
Iran and the United States cut all diplomatic ties after the seizure
of the U.S. embassy in Tehran in 1979.
In March, President Obama recorded a videotaped message for the Nowruz
holiday, saying he wants "a new beginning" in relations with Iran. He
said he is committed to diplomacy to resolve "serious differences"
between the two countries.