An Iranian presidential candidate said he is willing to continue talks with international powers over Iran's nuclear program - a sharp contrast to the position of incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Moderate former Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi said Friday that if elected he will agree to talks with a group of six world powers that have sought discussions on Iran's nuclear efforts. The group is made up of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council - the United States, Britain, China, France and Russia - plus Germany.
President Ahmadinejad recently rejected talks with the group.
Like Mr. Ahmadinejad, Mr. Mousavi said Iran will continue developing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. He said he will work to guarantee to the international community that the nuclear program is not for building weapons.
Mr. Mousavi also said he does not consider holding talks with the United States to be "taboo." He urged Washington to change its policy toward Iran, saying ending economic sanctions would be a positive step.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.