Rouhani says up to U.S. to change ‘hostile’ stance towards TehranJanuary 27, 2016 - 14:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran could have better relations with the United States, but it was up to Washington to change its "hostile" stance towards Tehran, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, Jan 27, according to Reuters. "It's possible that Iran and the United states might have friendly relations. But the key to that is in Washington's hands, not Tehran's," Rouhani said at a news conference in Rome before flying to Paris to continue his first trip to Europe since the lifting of sanctions. He also accused the "Israeli lobby" for being responsible for U.S. hostility towards Iran. Rouhani is looking to rebuild Iranian relations with the West some two weeks after financial sanctions on Tehran were rolled back following the implementation of its nuclear deal with world powers. "Iran does not just want trade, but also investment and technology," he said. He rejected accusations by many Western nations that Iran is funding various militant groups which they deem to be terrorist organizations. "It is clear that Iran is a country opposed to terrorism and a country that fights terrorism," he said. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life, Strong Mind IDBank and Idram summarize the results of the May program of “The Power of One Dram”. Yerevan State University, Ucom sign Memorandum of Cooperation Rector of Yerevan State University Hovhannes Hovhannisyan and General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian signed the memorandum. EU to provide budgetary support to Armenia The agreement is aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the educational system of Armenia. Aliyev: No peace treaty unless Armenia changes constitution Azerbaijan will not sign a peace treaty with Armenia unless the latter changes its constitution, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said. |