PresidentKhatami calls for a "dialogue with the American people" in American TV interview but in a sermon a few weeks later he is sharply critical of USA"oppressive policies"
Feb PresidentClinton extends ban on USAoil contracts with Iran, accusing it of continuing to support international terrorism
Mar USASecretary of StateMadeleine Albright calls for a new start in US-Iranian relations and announces lifting of sanctions on Iranian exports ranging from carpets to food products
