President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has today called for talks of friendship with the UK. Fearing a complete breakdown of diplomacy with the UK, the Iranian premier has suggested David Miliband, the UK Foreign Secretary, visit Tehran to ease growing tension between the two nations.
On being questioned about the recent arrest of staff from the British Embassy in Tehran, Ahmeadinejad stated that ''This is an impossibility. Not one single person has been arrested in Iran since the Shah was overthrown''. He also commented that ''Iran is a nation that is at peace with itself and with all other nations''.
With a diplomatic nod to Miliband's heavy schedule and government commitments, Ahmadinejad admitted he would happily enter peace talks with any member of the British Royal Family, with the exception of Prince Philip, should they accord to travel to Tehran. There have been indicators that he would open talks of detente with the experienced Middle-East negotiators, Terry Waite and John McCarthy, should they be willing to travel.
