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Clinton hosts Miliband for talks US hails 'special ties' with UK
(about 6 hours later)
The British and US governments are to hold their first ministerial-level talks since the inauguration of President Barack Obama last month. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has paid tribute to the "special relationship" between the UK and US, saying it "stands the test of time".
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband will meet US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington. She was speaking after meeting UK counterpart David Miliband, her first ministerial-level talks since President Barack Obama's inauguration last month.
Topics for discussion are expected to include Iran, Afghanistan, Middle East peace, and Guantanamo Bay. The two discussed Afghanistan, Middle East peace and a range of other issues.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier is also in Washington to meet Mrs Clinton. On Iran's nuclear row, Mrs Clinton repeated the US was "reaching out a hand, but the fist has to unclench".
Iran policy "It is clear that... Iran has an opportunity to step up and become a productive member of the international community," Mrs Clinton said.
Iran is subject to UN sanctions as some Western powers think it is trying to build a nuclear bomb, which it denies. She added that senior US diplomat Bill Burns would be joining officials from major world power in Germany on Wednesday to discuss the Iran issue.
Mr Obama's predecessor, George W Bush, viewed Iran's nuclear enrichment programme, said to be for civil nuclear power, with hostility. Tehran is subject to UN sanctions as some Western powers think it is trying to build a nuclear bomb, which it denies.
But President Obama has signalled a willingness to re-define relations with the Islamic republic, holding out the prospect of dialogue after decades of mutual suspicion. However, President Obama has signalled a willingness to re-define relations with Iran, holding out the prospect of dialogue after decades of mutual suspicion.
On Afghanistan, where Nato-led forces and government troops are fighting a resurgent Taleban, the Obama administration is expected to announce the despatch of more troops, perhaps within the next few days. In Washington, Mrs Clinton also thanked Mr Miliband for British military support in Afghanistan.
The British army is actively engaged against the Taleban, especially in the southern province of Helmand, but German troops in Afghanistan are more restricted in their role. The British army is actively engaged against the Taleban, especially in the southern province of Helmand.
The BBC correspondent in Washington says this could be discussed when Mrs Clinton meets Mr Steinmeier.
Our correspondent says Mr Steinmeier is likely to be asked to increase the German commitment to the wider war effort, even if he cannot send more troops.