Elections candidate: Constructive interaction key in foreign policy

Speaking in an evening televised speech on Monday as part of his electoral campaign to win the presidential elections slated for May 19, Rouhani added that neighboring states play an important role in ensuring national security and interests.

Given the current insecure situation in the region, political, economic and cultural interaction with the neighbors and Islamic states is essential, Rouhani stressed.

“We will have interaction with the Asian, European and American countries as well as those which are not hostile to us and have a fair behavior,” he said.

“Our region has many enemies and over the past decades we saw that big powers and Westerners have cast a covetous eye to the region due to its huge resources,” Rouhani noted adding that Israel has always been an enemy and terrorism is a threat to the region today.

“We should support regional resistance against Israel and interfering states and terrorists,” Rouhani stressed.

“The US has not yet stopped its mischievous acts against Iran. We are seeking detente with the entire world, but US is still moving on its path,” Rouhani said, adding that the best strategy to counter US’ bullying policies is 'reinforcement of national strength and unity. To this end our national self-confidence plays a highly influential rule and the hard and soft powers are very important.'

Rouhani added that during the nuclear negotiations with the G5+1, “US was one the parties in the talks. When in 2014, Iran curbed inflation and achieved a good economic growth, they found out Iran’s strength.”

Rouhani stressed that Iran’s “economic, cultural, social and military powers should join hands” to withstand the antagonistic power.

Touching upon Iran’s efforts to have good relations with regional states, Rouhani said, “We have better ties with Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and other regional states and we will continue these relations in the economic, political and cultural fields.”

Referring to the landmark nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Rouhani said, “We will never violate JCPOA, as was said by the Supreme Leader.”

Iran has remained loyal to any deal it has made anywhere in the world and it is committed to its agreements as long as the other party adheres its commitments, he said.
“If other sides decide to damage the JCPOA, we have plans to confront the situation,” Rouhani added.

Iran’s next presidential elections will be held on May 19 with six candidates running for the four-year post of presidency.

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