DHAKA: US president Barack Obama on Tuesday is expected to signal his willingness to engage with the new Iranian government if Teheran makes nuclear concessions long sought by the US and Western allies.

Obama will address the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday morning, reports The Straits Times.

He will also call on UN Security Council members to approve a resolution that would mandate consequences for Syria if it fails to cooperate with a plan to turn its chemical weapons stockpiles over to the international community.

The president’s address will be closely watched for signs that he may meet later in the day with Iranian president Hasan Rohani, a moderate cleric who has been making friendly gestures toward the US in recent weeks.

BDST: 1340 HRS, SEPT 24, 2013
RoR/BSk