Obama,Peres make video appeals to Iranians

Both messages suggested there was a place for Iran as an equal in the international community. Obama warned Irans leaders that their countrys access to its rightful place in the community of nations would not be advanced by threats or by terror or arms,but rather through peaceful actions.

Peres urged Iranians to reclaim their worthy place among the nations of the enlightened world.

Obamas message was released with Persian subtitles to some broadcasters in West Asia on the day the Nowruz spring holiday is celebrated in Iran. The message echoed sentiments in Obamas first televised interview from the White House,in which he had hinted at a new openness toward Iran.

That message seemed far more explicit in the television broadcast,in which the President urged Iran to discuss in mutual respect the gamut of issues that has cast Iran and the US on opposite sides of a gulf splitting the region.

Peres sought to reach out directly to the people,speaking at times in Persian and asserting that the interests of the average Iranian are not being met. Our ties with the Iranian people have known days of prosperity even in these modern times,when we shared with you our experience in agriculture,scientific and medical developments and we worked to develop the best of ties with you, he recalled. Unfortunately,these days,the relations between our countries are at a low that stems from the impulses leading the current leaders of your country to act against the State of Israel and its people in any way possible.

EUs foreign policy chief Javier Solana said he hoped Obamas message would lead to a new chapter in relations with Iran.

But Iranian officials were more cautious,according to news reports,welcoming the Presidents desire to settle disputes with uncharacteristic alacrity,but insisting,as they have in the past,that the US must first address Irans grievances toward Washington.

Ali Akbar Javanfekr,a senior official in Tehran,said a new relationship could not be built on Iran forgetting the previous hostile and aggressive attitude of the US.

Over many centuries your art,your music,literature and innovation have made the world a better and more beautiful place, Obama said. Referring to the deep divisions since the 1979 Islamic revolution,he said: For nearly three decades relations between our nations have been strained. But at this holiday,we are reminded of the common humanity that binds us together.

Within these celebrations lies the promise of a new day,the promise of opportunity for our children,security for our families,progress for our communities,and peace between nations. Those are shared hopes,those are common dreams… So on the occasion of your New Year,I want you… to understand the future that we seek… Its a future where the old divisions are overcome,where you and all of your neighbours and the wider world can live in greater security and greater peace.