The letter; how can we find it?

[babylonsister]

Nuke issue: High-level group calls for direct talks with Iran

Washington, Aug. 18 (AP): Twenty-two former high ranking former military officials and retired diplomats urged President George W. Bush on Thursday to open discussions immediately with Iran to help resolve differences over Lebanon and Iran's nuclear programme.

"A strategy of diplomatic engagement with Iran will serve the interests of the US and its allies, and would enhance regional and international security,'' the group said in an open letter to the president.

The letter also cautions against any consideration of the use of military force against Iran.

"An attack on Iran would have disastrous consequences for security in the region and US forces in Iraq, and it would inflame hatred and violence in the Middle East and among Muslims everywhere,'' it said.

Lieutenant General Robert G. Gard, Jr. (Ret.), who served in a number of key Pentagon posts, criticized the administration's stated willingness to open talks with Iranian officials only if they agree beforehand to suspend uranium enrichment.

He said it was "somewhat bizarre" for the administration to impose conditions.

"If Ronald Reagan was willing to negotiate with the evil empire, one wonders why President Bush won't negotiate with the axis of evil,'' Gard said in a tele-conference call with reporters.

Bush used the term 'axis of evil' four years ago to describe Iran, North Korea and Iraq under Saddam Hussein.

Bush has said Iran is partly responsible for the recent month-long war in Lebanon because of Tehran's backing of Hezbollah.

"We can only imagine how much more dangerous this conflict would be if Iran had the nuclear weapon it seeks," Bush said Monday.

Another signatory, Morton Halperin, who served in senior diplomatic and defense posts in the Clinton administration, told reporters that the Bush administration, "by refusing to talk, is jeopardizing national security."

Many of those who signed the letter had previously indicated reservations about Bush's policy toward Iran.

In addition, there have been a number of calls from Republicans and Democrats in the Congress and elsewhere for a policy of engagement with Iran.


http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200608180301.htm