Clinton Eyes Closer Cooperation with Britain on Iran's Nuclear Project        2/3/2009 10:24:44 PM

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The Obama administration will work closely with the British government to make Iran a responsible member of the international community, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Tuesday.

"We view Iran as a challenge; and it is one that is not directed solely at the United States or even at our European allies, but indeed, the larger region and the world," Clinton said after her meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Miliband.

"We are going to be working within the administration to devise our approach to Iran, and working closely with Her Majesty's government and the work that the foreign secretary and others have already done," said Clinton.

"Under Secretary Bill Burns will be attending the P-5+1 meeting that will continue to discuss the approach that the international community will take toward Iran," she said, referring to a Wednesday meeting in Germany's Wiesbaden, which is participated by senior diplomats from the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany.

"It is clear that Iran has an opportunity to step up and become a productive member of the international community," said Clinton, adding "We are reaching out a hand, but the fist has to unclench. And we will see how we proceed together toward a policy that we believe represents the objectives that we share vis--vis Iran."

In her first face-to-face talk with close European allies since taking office on Jan. 21, Clinton discussed with Miliband over a series of tough issues, such as the global financial crisis, the Middle East conflict, situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and Iran's nuclear ambition.