DUBAI: Iran reacted coolly to Barack Obama’s re-election yesterday, as the head of its judiciary condemned the “crimes” of US sanctions and indicated the president should not expect rapid new negotiations with Tehran.
“After all this pressure and crimes against the people of Iran, relations with America cannot be possible overnight and Americans should not think they can hold our nation to ransom by coming to the negotiating table,” Sadeq Larijani was quoted as saying by Irna news agency.
There had been speculation that, if Obama won a second term, the United States, which has not had diplomatic relations with Iran for three decades, might seek to engage it in direct talks. Obama wants to curb an Iranian nuclear programme which he believes has a military purpose, despite Iran’s denials. Larijani recalled disappointment in Tehran after Obama first took office in 2008: “Four years ago, Obama ... announced he would extend the hand of cooperation to Iran,” he said. “But he pursued a different path and imposed unprecedented sanctions and it is natural the Iranian people will never forget such crimes.”
Sudan welcomes, seeks talks on sanctions
KHARTOUM: Sudan, which the United States lists as a sponsor of terrorism, yesterday welcomed the re-election of US President Barack Obama but called for serious talks about ending sanctions. “We want to congratulate President Obama, especially because the confidence of his people was renewed in him,” the foreign ministry said in a statement. “The government of Sudan will be serious about a responsible dialogue leading to peace and stability in Sudan,” the ministry said, noting that Obama first came to power four years ago on a slogan of “change.” “At the top of the priority issues is removing Sudan from the terrorism list and ending the economic sanctions.”
Obama extended the embargo for another year on Thursday, saying the actions of the Sudanese government “continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.” Then-president Bill Clinton imposed the trade restrictions in 1997 over Sudan’s support for international terrorism, efforts to destabilise neighbouring governments, and human rights violations.Agencies
