TEHRAN, March 20 (Xinhua)

Iran welcomed on Friday the video message from U.S. President Barack Obama on the occasion of the Iranian new year in which Mr. Obama called for a "fresh start" in relations with the Islamic Republic while calling on Washington to take "concrete" to improve relations between the two countries.

"Mr. Obama spoke of change, but has taken no practical steps to repair the mistakes of America in Iran," said Ali Akbar Javanfekr, press advisor of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, quoted by the chain of Iranian Press TV television. The Iranian official has welcomed the willingness of Mr. Obama to try to build constructive relations between the two countries despite their differences.

"If Mr. Obama is taking concrete steps and makes fundamental changes in the foreign policy of the United States to other nations, including Iran, the Iranian government and Iranian people did not turn back," said M . Javanfekr.

He also claimed that the hostile policy maintained by Washington toward Iran was responsible for disputes between Iran and the United States.

"The disputes will not disappear with minor changes," he added.

In a video message broadcast on the occasion of Nowruz, the Iranian new year, President Obama said Friday: "My administration is now engaged in diplomacy to address the wide range of issues before us, and pursue relationships constructive. "

Beyond its previous statements, Mr. Obama said the U.S. would seek a commitment rather than threats, and a mutual respect.

Admitting the "serious dispute" that have marked relations between Washington and Tehran, Mr. Obama called on both countries to do so to resolve long-standing disputes.

Citing the case of Iran's nuclear program, Mr. Obama said that the right to have its own nuclear program was associated with "real responsibilities", holding that this right "can not be achieved through terrorism or weapons but rather through peaceful measures that show the true greatness of the civilization and the Iranian people. "