U.S. Shifts Its Foreign Policy To Hold Historic Iran Talks In Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland (AHN) - A major change in United States foreign policy will be noticed on Saturday as a senior official from the Bush administration will participate in talks with Iran in Switzerland.

The U.S. official, William Burns, will be meeting with a Iranian diplomat, Saeed Jalili, along with other envoys from the European Union and permanent members of the United Nations security council in Geneva for talks concerning Tehran's controversial nuclear program.

One of the conference agendas will be to discuss incentives for Iran to end the nuclear stand-off by giving away a generous and comprehensive package.

The authorities in Tehran have been insisting on allowing Iran to retain its nuclear rights as it prepares to discuss the issue with the world's major powers.

Iran had said it will not accept any deal that will require the Islamic Republic to shut down its nuclear plants, which may be used to build nuclear weapons.

Recently, Iranian leader had reportedly warned that the security forces would "cut off the hands" of any one who attacks the country.

The announcement by Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad came amid rising tensions in the Middle East region following the missile tests conducted by the country.

However, Iran's President also indicated that Tehran would consider any offer by the United States to improve the diplomatic relations between the two sides, which was called-off since 1980.

He was quoted as saying that he would consider any request from the United States to set up an interests section in Iran.

Ahmadinejad said Tehran is also ready to negotiate on its peaceful nuclear program with the international group but under fair conditions.

On Saturday, the group meeting in Switzerland includes the six world powers, which have threatened to impose several penalties on Iran if it refuses the deal.

The meeting will see top diplomats from the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China -- who are the five veto-wielding members of the U.N. Security Council -- plus Germany.

The EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana will also be present during the start of the new round of talks.

In the month of June, the European Union imposed new sanctions on Iran after it rejected deal to end nuclear row.