Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has offered to meet with a world power to form a framework for talks on his country's nuclear program.
At a New York news conference, Mr. Ahmadinejad said the world power would be a member of the so-called P5+1, the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and Germany. He said the talks could take place in October under a "provisional" plan.
Mr. Ahmadinejad said the "door is open" for talks within a "framework of justice and respect." He said EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton should contact Tehran to set up a date.
On Wednesday, the P5+1 announced it had renewed efforts to seek an "early negotiated solution" with Iran. The group said it wanted to re-establish dialogue with Tehran on a nuclear swap proposal that was introduced last year.
Under that plan, Iran would swap low-enriched uranium for uranium fuel rods that would be used in a medical research reactor.
The Iranian leader commented after attending the U.N. General Assembly where he criticized the U.S.
In a speech to the General Assembly Thursday, U.S. President Barack Obama said major powers want dialogue with Iran about its nuclear program. However, he said Tehran must demonstrate the peaceful intent of that program.
The U.N. imposed a fourth round of sanctions on Iran in June for its refusal to stop enriching uranium.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.
