Commenting on the situation in Iran, Rice said Iran is an important neighboring country in the region, adding that 'we have no grudges against Iran, but we hope Iran will positively respond to the demands of the international legitimacy of the UN, and conform with the systems if IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) as regards its nuclear program and avoid escalation because escalation circumstances will not serve its interests. Rice said Iran has a better chance to establish relations with the US, and there are international commitments which it should honor including the resolutions of the security council, and the decisions of the international nuclear energy agency. She added 'no one denies the right of Iran to acquire nuclear energy for peaceful purposes'. On Lebanon, she said the US has a common denominator with the Arab plan notably in Lebanon. Projecting the role of the Arab mediation in Lebanon, especially in electing the president, she underscored the importance of urging the Lebanese people to elect their president. --SPA www.spa.gov.sa/518193