Atlantic Council hosts conference on “Reestablishing US Diplomatic Presence in Iran”
Baku, February 20 (AZERTAC). The Atlantic Council in Washington has hosted a conference on “Reestablishing US Diplomatic Presence in Iran”.
The event held at the South Asia Center heard lectures by Former US Foreign Service Officer Ramin Asgard,
Director, Government Affairs and Policy of the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans Morad Ghorban and Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iran and former US hostage in Tehran John Limbert.
Ramin Asgard suggested this could take the form of interests sections reporting on public affairs, and political and economic issues. Additionally, the United States stands to benefit hugely from enhanced American citizen services, currently being facilitated by third parties, including passport issuance and renewals, voter and income tax assistance, support for Americans arrested or detained aboard, etc.
Morad Ghorban stated that most Iranians are highly informed on Iran’s current social and political climate through personal links sustained through the 30 year diplomatic freeze, and possess a desire to facilitate diplomacy. John Limbert agreed the citizen services need improvement, citing the complex Iran visa process, and a diplomatic presence is undoubtedly necessary.
In response to a question of AZERTAC`s Washington-based correspondent Yusif Babanli whether he would return to Iran as a U.S. Ambassador, Limbert said that he is close to retirement, and prefers that such a position is given to young diplomats, but he would be glad to visit Iran with his family. Limbert also recalled his visit to Azerbaijan in 2010 as a member of the US State Department`s delegation.
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