If I Were Iranian Leaders

The signs are promising, aren't they? North Korea is talking to America! Hmm...

Thanks to the six-party talks and some commonsense, the US and DPRK are in bilateral talks. Tentative as these may be, they head in the direction of a peaceful resolution of the nuclear palaver. It could have been otherwise. Many thanks to all involved, especially Beijing.

We demand the same on the Iran matter. All the parties to the European-led negotiations must know by now that threats and counter-threats will drive wedges into the works, block lanes and channels, and delay any possible peace accord. The US and Iran will ultimately have to talk, willy nilly!

If I were the Leaders in Tehran, I will not take on the International Community as represented by the United Nations. True, there are issues of pride and equity at stake, but so was it with the DPRK. So, let's allow the friends of Iran enough room to help crack the knotty points and move us towards peace. In this regard, I will take note of President Chirac's counsel that there is still a window of diplomatic possibilities, and I will positively exploit the breather.

If I were Iranian Leaders, I will hold IAEA's ElBaradei (Nobel Peace Laureate) as a strategic and balanced umpire, and fully cooperate and collaborate with the nuclear watchdog. Since the country insists that its programme is for peaceful purposes only, then let's get there in peace and not in pieces - using peaceable words and peaceful means

The North Korean example is a worthy lesson to all.

Tehran should note, and act uniquely and wisely.