Rice Indicates Slight Shift in Stance on Iran Sanctions (NYT)

[spindrifter]

By HELENE COOPER
Published: September 12, 2006
PICTOU, Canada, Sept. 11 — Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, in an ever-so-slight softening of America’s stance, on Monday left open the possibility that the United States might suspend efforts to impose sanctions against Iran if it suspended uranium enrichment for two months.

“First of all, it would have to be suspension — verified suspension,” Ms. Rice said. “Secondly, it’s suspension for suspension. We’ve said that if they suspend,” the United States would in turn halt its pursuit of United Nations sanctions against Iran and would join European talks with Tehran over its nuclear program.

Reuters reported Sunday that Ali Larijani, Iran’s top nuclear negotiator, had said that Iran would be willing to consider a two-month moratorium on its uranium-enrichment program. But other Iranian officials denied that, and European diplomats have been cautious about what Iran might really have offered.

Ms. Rice, who said Monday that she had spoken with the European Union foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, about his continuing talks with Mr. Larijani, also urged caution. “As far as I know, the Iranians have not said that they would suspend prior to negotiations, which is what the issue has been,” she said.

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http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/12/world/middleeast/12diplo.html?hp&ex=1158033600&en=21294db26a883c3f&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[NRaleighLiberal]

1. ...she then grew tired and bored, played a tune on her piano, and

went shopping for some new shoes.

[praeclarus]

2. "Secondly, it’s suspension for suspension."....

Okey dokey then. Suspension for suspension. We
don't cotton to them Iranies doing suspension
for not suspension.

on edit: Fine, now I get it after another sip
or two of vino. I was having a WTF is she talking
about moment. :)

[HuffleClaw]

3. COMPLETE BULLSHIT

'verified suspension' is the key phrase here. its a blatant attempt to APPEAR like they are 'negotiating' when they have no honest intention of any such thing.

[daleo]

4. They know they can't muster UN support

And they don't want to admit that before the election. That's my guess anyway. (Sept 11 + 2 months = after the election).

Perhaps they have given up on the "bomb Iran for an election boost" idea.

[Javaman]

6. This comes hot on the heels of the no vote for Bolton...

funny how that works.

If that fuck gets recessed appointed again, you will see condi, I have never ever had an original thought ever, rice suddenly reassess her opinion yet again regarding Iran.

Smoke and mirrors folks, that's all it is.

[Rex]

5. Rice openly panders to Iran for political help.

Sad and pathetic.