WORLD> Middle East
Iran to US: If you want talks, stop accusations
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-02-11 17:26
TEHRAN, Iran -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman says the US needs to stop making "baseless" accusations against Iran in order to pave the way for talks between the two adversaries.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad waves to the crowed during a ceremony to mark the anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution in Tehran's Azadi Square February 10, 2009. [Agencies]

Hassan Qashqavi says President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's comments Tuesday that Iran welcomes talks with the United States based on mutual respect means the US needs to stop leveling accusations against Iran.

But Qashqavi said Wednesday that US President Barack Obama should be given some time to take steps toward better relations.

The US accuses Iran of seeking nuclear weapons and supporting terrorism. Iran denies both charges.

Tehran and Washington severed relations after the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the takeover of the US Embassy in Tehran.