"We feel that it's for the authorities in Iran to demonstrate that they're willing to go along with what the international community demands," Bongo, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council this month, said during a U.S. visit.

"It's not for us to reassure, it's for them to reassure all of us, especially the neighbors of Iran," Bongo told a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

"The neighbors of Iran have the right to live peacefully. We are going to work closely (with the United States and permanent council members) because our aim is not just to punish, our aim is to help," Bongo said.

"And we want to do that, but it has to be the same will on both sides," Bongo added.

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Bongo