Foreign Relations Chair Kerry applauds Obama Iran video

[babylonsister]

http://briefingroom.thehill.com/2009/03/20/foreign-relations-chair-applauds-obama-iran-video/

Foreign Relations Chair applauds Obama Iran video
@ 9:06 am by Jeremy P. Jacobs


Senate Foreign Relations Chair John Kerry (D-Mass.) on Friday morning applauded President Obama's video address to Iran.

"President Obama's eloquent address to the people and leaders of Iran commemorating Nowruz can be a watershed moment in public diplomacy, with a unique president using the powers of persuasion to great effect," Kerry said in a statement.

Kerry also said that governing regime in Iran "faces rising discontent from its own people" and that they now have a choice. "They can continue down the path of intransigence and face increasing regional isolation, escalating international sanctions, continuing economic stagnation and the threat of a regional confrontation," the Democrat said, "or they can start down a path of real change for both Iran and the entire Middle East."

Kerry said ending Iran's nuclear program is "front and center" for the Obama administration and that through careful negotiations he believes that goal is attainable.

"I am not naïve about the difficulties of a diplomatic breakthrough with Iran," he said. "But while it remains to be seen what direct negotiations with Iran can bring, this type of direct and respectful outreach to the Iranian people will be necessary if we are to chart a new course with Iran.”

[beachmom]

1. Kerry has been calling for this kind of diplomacy for as long

as I have been following him.

[disndat]

2. This is the REAL CHANGE

that Obama promised us and the people voted for. No more military industrial complex dictating U.S. foreign policy.

[ProSense]

3. Brilliant. Iran has a thriving

netroots.

Kerry's full statement.

Chairman Kerry Statement on President Obama's Message to Iran Celebrating Nowruz :

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator John Kerry (D-MA) released the following statement today in response to President’s Obama’s videotaped remarks to the people of Iran in celebration of Nowruz:

"President Obama's eloquent address to the people and leaders of Iran commemorating Nowruz can be a watershed moment in public diplomacy, with a unique president using the powers of persuasion to great effect.

The regime in Tehran faces rising discontent from its own people. President Obama’s message offers the regime a real choice: they can continue down the path of intransigence and face increasing regional isolation, escalating international sanctions, continuing economic stagnation and the threat of a regional confrontation, or they can start down a path of real change for both Iran and the entire Middle East.

Ending Iran’s nuclear program and its support for terror is front and center for this Administration, as it must be. But if we learned anything during the last eight years, it's that mere saber rattling and idle threats only strengthen hardliners in Tehran by giving them a convenient foil and rhetorical sparring partner to distract from their own failures within their own country.

I am not naïve about the difficulties of a diplomatic breakthrough with Iran. But while it remains to be seen what direct negotiations with Iran can bring, this type of direct and respectful outreach to the Iranian people will be necessary if we are to chart a new course with Iran.”

[politicasista]

4. Kick for diplomacy

:kick: :patriot: