SelectPlusIran's President Backs Stronger U.S. RelationsIran's President Backs Stronger U.S. RelationsThe Associated PressIran's president said that the country would consider a U.S. request to set up a diplomatic office in Tehran. (July 13)Despite Iran's potentially provocative launch of test missiles it says can reach Israel and American bases in the Middle East, there are continuing signs of a diplomatic thaw. Iran's president said he's open to expanded relations with the United States.(NATS IN FARSI)MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD, IRANIAN PRESIDENT: "EXPANSION OF TIES IS CORRECT IN OUR OPINION AND WE WOULD WELCOME ANY PROPOSAL OR MOVE THAT HELPS TO THE EXPANSION OF TIES BETWEEN NATIONS." President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (ah-muh-DEE'-neh-zhahd) says Iran would welcome any proposal for the U-S to open an interests section in Tehran. Secretary of State Condolezza Rice has said that the U-S is considering that move. The United States broke diplomatic ties with Iran following the fall of the shah in 1979 and the hostage taking at the American embassy. (NATS IN FARSI)MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD, IRANIAN PRESIDENT: "WE DID NOT INSIST THAT THEY (THE AMERICANS) ENTER THE NEGOTIATIONS AND DID NOT SEND THEM A SPECIAL INVITATION CARD THROUGH EXPRESS MAIL EITHER. IF YOU (AMERICANS) COME TO NEGOTIATE WITH US IN A JUST SETTING, THAT WOULD BE ALL RIGHT. BUT EVEN IF YOU DO NOT COME FOR NEGOTIATIONS, OUR NATION WILL NOT BE HARMED." Ahmadinejad says Iran did not insist that the U-S enter negotiations, but it would be all right if the two countries met in what he called a just setting.The interests section would be a de facto embassy. It would give the United States a presence on the ground. One official says it could be used to communicate directly with students, dissidents and others without endorsing the government. Iran has operated an interests section in Washington for years. ___ ___, The Associated Press.

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