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Obama Addresses Iran Via Internet Video

   The  president  calls  for  uncensored Internet access, and reiterates
   offer of dialogue with Iran.

     20 March 2010
   President Barack Obama at the White House, 18 Mar 2010

Photo: AP

   President Barack Obama at the White House, 18 Mar 2010

   U.S.  President  Barack  Obama  is  appealing  directly to the Iranian
   people as they celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year.
   In  an  Internet  video  released  by the White House late Friday, Mr.
   Obama reiterated his offer of engaging in dialogue with Iran, but said
   Iran's leaders have chosen isolation.
   He  said  the U.S. is working with the international community to hold
   Iran  accountable  for  not  living up to international obligations on
   disclosing the extent and intent of its nuclear program.
   The  U.S.  and  other  Western  nations accuse Iran of trying to build
   nuclear weapons.  Iran says it is a civilian energy program.
   Despite  the  ongoing  dispute,  Mr.  Obama  said the United States is
   committed  to  a  more hopeful future for Iran's people, by increasing
   opportunities  for educational exchanges and helping ensure uncensored
   Internet access.

   Opposition politicians in Iran maintain a strong Web presence.
   This  is  the  second  Internet  address  to the Iranian people of Mr.
   Obama's  administration.   He  released  the  first  to coincide with
   Nowruz last year.
   Mr.  Obama  said  in  that  address  he was committed to resolving the
   differences  with Iran through diplomacy.  He said then progress will
   not be achieved with threats, but with mutual respect.

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