Iran vote: Rouhani vows transparency on nuclear issue

[dipsydoodle]

Source: BBC News

Iran is ready to show more transparency on its nuclear programme, says President-elect Hassan Rouhani.

In his first news conference since Friday's election, Mr Rouhani described as "unfair" sanctions imposed on his country. He also said Tehran would not suspend uranium enrichment activities.

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The UK said it hoped Mr Rouhani would act on his pledge to resolve the issue.

"The government hopes that following Dr Rouhani's election, the Iranian government will take up the opportunity of a new relationship with the international community by making every effort to reach a negotiated settlement on the nuclear issue," said UK Foreign Minister William Hague.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22940220

[shaayecanaan]

1. Iranian president-elect Rouhani promises better relations with west

Iran's president-elect, Hassan Rouhani, whose sensational victory in Friday's election prompted nationwide celebrations, has promised to reduce tensions with the west, show more transparency on its nuclear front and bring moderation back to the forefront of Iranian politics.

In his first press conference in Tehran, two days after being confirmed as the elected successor to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Rouhani presented himself as a moderate politician willing to "enhance mutual trust" between Tehran and the international community, including Britain and the US, and as the saviour of the Iranian economy by working to lift sanctions.

"We have to enhance mutual trust between Iran and other countries," said Rouhani, nicknamed in the Iranian media as the diplomat sheikh and the sheikh of hope. "We have to build trust," he said. Rouhani made clear that his government will pursue a "friendly relationship" with all its neighbours, including the Arab countries, in particular Saudi Arabia.

The press conference, held in Iran's centre for strategic studies, an institution Rouhani has presided over for 22 years, was at times chaotic, as only a limited number of Iranian and foreign reporters in the packed room were given the chance to ask questions. The session, which lasted an hour and half, was broadcast live on national television.

In a sharp contrast to the outgoing president, Rouhani avoided issuing inflammatory statements against the west and instead promised improved relations. He outlined his priorities by saying: "Your government … will follow up national goals … in the path of saving the country's economy, revive ethics and constructive interaction with the world through moderation."

In regards to Iran's nuclear programme – which the west suspects to have military dimensions, while Tehran insists it is entirely for peaceful purposes – Rouhani said his government would restore "mutual confidence" by promoting step-by-step measures in order to reassure the international community about Iranian ambitions.

[jessie04]

2. Wonderful words....means nothing.

Open up the nuclear sites to IAEA for a damn start.

And if they don't, you know they are lying and his empty words mean nothing.