Iranian president says he’s ready for nuclear talks
Rouhani says Tehran has 'nothing to hide,' and that he has no problem shaking Obama's hand
UNITED NATIONS — Iran’s new president said Wednesday that his country is ready to negotiate over its disputed nuclear activities and has “nothing to hide.”
President Hasan Rouhani spoke Wednesday to editors in New York, a day before Iran and six world powers are to discuss the nuclear program at a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
But Rouhani said Iran must be careful in starting a new relationship with the US after three decades of frozen ties.
Still, he said he has no problem shaking hands with President Barack Obama. There had been some speculation the two leaders might meet briefly at the UN on Tuesday and even shake hands, but it did not happen.
White House press secretary Jay Carney said Wednesday that Obama was and remains open to the possibility of an informal encounter with Iran’s new president at a future date, and that he was not disappointed that the two didn’t meet at the sidelines of the General Assembly.
American and Iranian leaders have not met in 36 years.