Tehran, Iran, May 20
By Mehdi Sepahvand –- Trend:
Iran is readier than ever to expand its relations with world in a respectful manner away from violence and extremism, president election Hassan Rouhani said in a televised address after his victory, Trend correspondent reported May 20.
The moderate Rouhani was elected president for a second term on May 19, some 57 percent of the voters backing him with over 23 million votes.
“Our nation wants to live in peace and friendship with the world, but at the same time will not accept any contempt or threat. This is the most important message that our nation would like all governments, neighbors, and especially world powers to hear correctly,” Rouhani emphasized.
He also said the Iranian election “conveyed to our neighbors that the way to securing the region is to enforce democracy and respect people’s votes rather than rely on foreign powers.”
On the national front, he took a reconciliatory tone, saying, “In the name of democracy and under the rule of law, I also respect my critics and honor their right to criticize the government.”