Quotes About Diplomatic channels

For decades, our differences with Iran meant that our governments almost never spoke to each other. Ultimately, that did not advance America's interests.

Yet Hardenberg was kept on in secret government service by King Frederick William and his fiercely anti-Napoleonic wife, the beautiful and independent-minded Queen Louise, daughter of the Duke of Mecklenburg, not least in order to keep diplomatic channels open to Russia.

Back channels themselves are as old as American diplomacy. Thomas Jefferson was an early enthusiast - he often routed around his secretary of state, once sending a secret letter to the American envoy in France, Robert Livingston, that contained a coded message.

The fact that there were discreet channels of communication established with Iran in 2012 is something that we confirmed publicly. However, we did not have any serious prospect of reaching a nuclear deal until after the election of Hassan Rouhani in 2013. Yes, we had discussions with the Iranians before that, but they did not get anywhere.

plenipotentiary

Because there is a problem that exists, the doors for communication between the two nations should not be closed. Japan always keeps our door for communication open. I'd like China to take the same attitude.

Two things are desired in order that intercourse may be had: First, that a minister or agent be allowed to reside at the capital. Second, that commerce between different countries be freely allowed.

Syria doesn't want to talk with us on a bilateral basis, only under the auspices of the United States.

The European Union and its member states continue and will continue, as the nuclear deal is implemented, to have open channels with Iran.

Huge numbers of embassy cables are labeled 'unclassified' or 'limited official use' and deal with mundane matters.