US says willing to talk to Iran, unveils changes to foreign policy

He said at the Munich Security Conference that there must be a united effort by the international community to convince Iran to abandon its nuclear program, which the West believes is a cover to build an atomic bomb and Tehran insists is for the peaceful generation of electricity.Â

 

"We are willing to talk to Iran, and to offer a very clear choice:Âcontinue down your current course and there will be pressure and isolation; abandon your illicit nuclear program and support for terrorism and there will be meaningful incentives," Biden was quoted by Reuters as saying.

 

Biden said the new US administration would set a "new tone" in its foreign relations but warned that other nations must also raise their game.

 

"I come to Europe on behalf of a new administration determined to set a new tone not only in Washington, but in America's relations around the world," AFP quoted him as saying.

 

But he added: "America will do more, but America will ask for more from our partners."

 

"As we seek a lasting framework for our common struggle against extremism, we will have to work cooperatively with nations around the world -- and we will need your help," Biden said in his first trip abroad since taking office along with Obama on January 20.

 

"As a great Irish poet once wrote, our world has changed utterly -- a terrible beauty has been born. We must change too."

 

As an example, Biden said that the United States would ask other countries to take in inmates from its Guantanamo Bay prison, which Obama has said he will close.

 

He said that Washington would press ahead with its missile defense program, but only if it works and is not too expensive -- and also in consultation with Moscow, which has been angered by the plans.

 

"We will continue to develop missile defense to counter a growing Iranian capability, provided the technology is proven and it is cost effective. We will do so in consultation with you, our NATO allies, and with Russia," Biden said.

 

He also confirmed that Obama would attend a summit of the G20 group of advanced and developing nations in London on April 2, and said that Washington would "lead by example and act aggressively" on climate change.