Hague: Britain to remain firm on Iran

LONDON, May 14 (UPI) -- British officials assured U.S. President Barack Obama Britain's coalition government would not weaken its stance against Iran and support in Afghanistan.

The situations in Iran and Afghanistan will be discussed next week when Foreign Secretary William Hague meets with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, The Times of London reported Friday.

Aides to Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron said his leadership marks a "clean slate" in relations with the United States.

Hague told The Times Iran should not underestimate his resolve that the Islamic republic "needs to change course." He said Tehran must cooperate with the international community on its nuclear program and indicated Britain would continue to push for U.N. sanctions.

Privately, British officials said a reassurance of Britain's position on Iran and Afghanistan was necessary because the Liberal Democrat platform opposes military action against Tehran and warned against "the dangers of a subservient relationship with the United States," The Times said.

Philip Crowley, assistant secretary of state, said the United States was confident of a stable, constructive relationship with Britain.

When asked if the relationship hinged on the Liberal Democrats backing away from their policy on Iran, Crowley said: "There are things said in campaigns but now they have to put together a program to govern. This is an extraordinarily important relationship."

Conservatives and Liberal Democrats formed a coalition government this week after recent elections resulted in a hung Parliament. Conservatives won the most seats, but not enough for an outright majority. Gordon Brown resigned as prime minister and Cameron assumed the leadership role with Liberal Democrat Nick Clegg becoming deputy prime minister.