Iran welcomes US participation in international talks over its nuclear program provided Washington does not repeat 'past mistakes.'

Speaking in Tehran prior to his departure for nuclear talks in Geneva, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, said on Friday that Iran attaches importance to the stance taken by the US during the negotiations.

"What is important for us is their approach during the negotiations. If they [Americans] adopt a constructive stance and avoid repeating previous mistakes, the talks would certainly be constructive," he explained.

In a u-turn from past policy, the US announced Undersecretary of State William Burns will, for the first time, be present at a meeting this weekend in Switzerland about Iran nuclear program. The Bush administration had previously insisted that no talks would be held with Tehran until the suspension of its nuclear program.

Jalili echoed remarks by Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki in Damascus, welcoming as positive US involvement in the talks.

“The presence of US representative William Burns at the nuclear talks on Saturday will help Washington officials hear Iran's views directly," the minister added.

Jalili and EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana will discuss the West's incentive package that was delivered to Tehran in mid-June.

In addition to Burns, diplomats from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany (G5+1) will also participate in the meeting.

The US and its allies accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, Tehran, however, insists that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

© Press TV