Swiss offer to help US-Iran talks

Switzerland is ready to facilitate dialogue between the United States and Iran, Swiss ambassador to Tehran Livia Leu Agosti has said. "Switzerland could make contributions to the process, should all sides wish it," the Swiss diplomat said in an interview published on Sunday in the 'Swissinfo' website. Leu Agosti has been at the post since the beginning of the year. She cautioned that any rapprochement between Washington and Tehran will take time. "If we still see and hear mixed signals from both sides, this is only normal after almost 30 years without relations. Any rapprochement will take time," she said. "The two countries have taken a carefully positive approach towards each other," she added, noting that as first steps, the two sides are in the process of changing their established vocabulary as well as allowing informal contacts. She went on to say that once the future format of talks becomes clearer, Switzerland could make contributions to the process, should all sides wish it. When asked if she has been experiencing difficulties in a society ruled by men, especially as the only woman diplomat based in Tehran, she said that this position has not been to her disadvantage and that her treatment by the authorities has been respectful, professional and expeditious. "I was able to present my credentials to the president within one month, which is almost a record," she added. Switzerland and Iran have signed bilateral agreements on investment protection and double taxation as well as accords on trade and air transport. In the absence of formal relations with Iran, Switzerland has been representing the interests of Washington in Tehran since 1980.