Updated at: 1650 PST, Friday, April 10, 2009ISFAHAN: Iran's president said Thursday his country is open to talks with the U.S. and other countries over its nuclear program. But he insisted the talks must be based on respect for Iran's rights, suggesting the West should not try to force Tehran to stop uranium enrichment.Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Iran would present a new proposal for negotiations, saying “conditions have changed” an apparent reference to President Barack Obama's election and Iran's own progress in its nuclear program since previous talks with Iran were held last year. He did not elaborate on the proposal. Iran has been tepid in its response to Obama's offers of dialogue, but in recent days Ahmadinejad has appeared to warm up. Earlier this week, he said he was ready for dialogue if Obama was “honest” in his intentions.Ahmadinejad's speech Thursday made clear he saw a difference between Obama and former President George W. Bush, who took a tough stance on Iran.
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