Tehran Times | June 29, 2013
TEHRAN – Iran’s President-elect Hassan Rohani has said that he will pursue a moderate foreign policy based on detente and constructive interaction with the world to help resolve the problems facing the country.
“Moderation in foreign policy is neither surrender nor conflict, neither passiveness nor confrontation, but rather is interaction,” Rohani said in Tehran on Saturday during his first live televised speech since winning the election on June 14.
“Moderation in foreign policy should be achieved through realism based on idealism, values, self-esteem, reliance on national might, domestic capacity, and effective and constructive interaction with the world. But interaction and dialogue should take place on equal terms,” added Rohani, who has repeatedly emphasized that the tension between Iran and the West over the country’s nuclear program should be defused only through logical dialogue and active interaction.
The West suspects Iran’s nuclear program may have military dimensions. But Iran says it is entirely for peaceful purposes, such as electricity generation and medical uses.
Rohani added that engagement with the world should be based on “mutual respect, mutual detente, and interaction with the aim of building trust, but mutual confidence-building based on the rights of all Iranian people and national demands and dignity.”
Enemy seeking to portray Iran as a police state
Elsewhere in his speech, Rohani, who will take office in August, also said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a great regional power or the greatest regional power at this juncture, should play its role efficiently, and this necessitates moderation.”
“The enemy is seeking to portray the Islamic Republic of Iran as a police state to the world, and we should scuttle the enemy’s plan, and we need prudence and planning and firm but fundamental steps,” he added, referring to what he had previously called a “securitized atmosphere” in the society.
Rohani promises to form an extra-factional cabinet
Commenting on the composition of his cabinet, Rohani said, “My cabinet will be completely extra-factional, and its reliance will be on merit. And given that the administration has given no commitment to any party or faction, it is not indebted to any party or faction.”
On the freedom of the press, the new president said, “A government which has its roots in the people’s support and derives its legitimacy from the participation of voters, not only is not afraid of a free press but also becomes stronger by a free press that obeys the law.”
Rohani hailed the high voter turnout in the presidential election, saying, “The election provided a unique opportunity for all. Everyone should get the message of the election, respect it, and act based on it.
“Parties, groups, the people, each and every person, and others outside Iran in other countries, should properly appreciate the message of the election and respond to it appropriately.”
The people chose a new path in the election, he said, adding, “The people said that they love their country (and care about its) destiny and national goals. The people said in the election, ‘We want change and evolution.’”
Rohani also said, “The next administration will honor the promises it has made.”