Iran seeks diplomatic breakthrough amid standoff with West

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(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-08-16 23:07

BEIJING - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's just-ended visit to Turkey, a NATO ally that is also aspiring to the membership in the European Union (EU), aims to breach a diplomatic blockade set up by the United States and other Western nations, analysts said.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad waves as he arrives for Friday prayers at the 16th century Ottoman era Blue Mosque on his second day of his visit in Istanbul, August 15, 2008. [Agencies]

The two-day working visit, which ended on Friday, came amid escalating tensions between Tehran and the West due to Iran's controversial nuclear program.

Earlier this month, the US State Department said six major powers had agreed to consider new sanctions against Iran after Tehran failed to give a clear answer to their package of incentives, aimed at requiring the country to suspend its nuclear enrichment activities in exchange for political and economic benefits.

The US Treasury announced Tuesday that sanctions would be imposed on five Iranian entities for their alleged links to Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

As a result, US citizens are prohibited from doing business with these blacklisted entities and any of their possible assets in the United States will be frozen, the Treasury said in a statement.

"Iran hopes to make a good use of its advantages in geopolitics, energy and religion to expand relations with all sides and build up anti-US strength," said Zhao Qinghai, a research fellow with the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS).

Ahmadinejad, who was elected in 2005, had constantly conveyed his desire to Ankara for paying a visit to Turkey. However, Ankara did not respond positively until Abdullah Gul was elected to the presidency last year.

During his visit, Ahmadinejad and Gul witnessed the public signing of a series of cooperation deals.

The two countries also issued a joint statement stressing their determination for further cooperation in the energy field.

Turkey and Iran would cooperate in fighting terrorism and drug trafficking, Ahmadinejad told a joint press conference with Gul following their talks.

He said that as two large and strong countries in the region, Iran and Turkey have great influence on regional and international affairs.

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