Bush Doesn't Rule Out Talks With Iran

Oct 03, 05:16 PM

Current Headlines: President George Bush told a Pennsylvania audience he'd consider discussions with Iran under the right circumstances, but the next move is up to Iran.

During an appearance before the Chamber of Commerce in Lancaster, Pa., Bush cautioned of a nuclear weapons-capable Iran, but said one of his objectives in in the Middle East was to convince the Iranians to give up their nuclear weapons ambitions for peace.

Bush said he'd be willing to sit down with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad so long as he suspends ... his nuclear weapons program in response to a question from the audience.

For diplomacy to work, Bush said, both sides need something from each other.

Negotiations just for the sake of negotiations oftentimes send wrong signals, Bush said. Negotiations to achieve consequences are worth doing.

He noted Ahmadinejad is a leader who has made very provocative statements, including his desire to destroy Israel.

And we have made it clear, however, in spite of that, that we're willing to sit down with him so long as he suspends his program, Bush said. In other words, it's his choice, not mine anymore.