USA issues visas for Iranian delegates

On May 1st the USA issued visas for Iranian delegates going to attend the UN conference on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, taking place in New York next week.

The visas were issued only after Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki remarked that "issuing visas for officials from various countries to participate in UN assemblies is an obligation for US authorities, not a prerogative.”

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Ramin Mehmanparast, told Press TV that the U.S. authorities preferred the Iranian side not to participate in the conference, because Iran might raise some painful issues regarding disarmament.

The Iranian delegation includes President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is expected to present important proposals concerning revision of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.