Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 7
By Umid Niayesh, Saeed Isayev - Trend:
The Iranian government is ready for sacrifices for national interests, Iranian president Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech, at the meeting with the governors of Iranian provinces on Jan. 7, IRINN State tv reported.
Speaking on the Geneva nuclear deal, Rouhani said that all of Iran's friends in the region have expressed their satisfaction towards the agreement. It should be noted that Iran and the P5+1 reached a nuclear agreement on Nov. 24, 2013. Iran has agreed to curb some of its nuclear activities for six months in return for sanctions relief.
"The government can tolerate criticism, and certain groups and parties should understand that our tolerance is much higher than they could affect," Rouhani said, without getting into details.
"We should not be afraid of some objections from people, Rouhani said, adding that he will inform the people on such issues, whenever he feels necessary.
The president underscored that the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has expressed his support for the administration regarding all critical issues.
Political parties and groups
Rouhani said that all political parties and groups should respect the country's laws. He advised the provinces' governors at the meeting, to cooperate with political groups and parties, to pursue win-win situation for both sides.
Rouhani underlined that constructive cooperation is necessary.
"Every party or group should respect the rules of the game," he said.
The president noted that currently the political parties in the country are more active than in the past, and the administration will try to make even better conditions for them.
"No party or group in the country can be ignored," he said.
Inflation control: results exceed expectations
Regarding the economy, Rouhani said that the administration spends most of its time resolving country's economic issues.
"Controlling inflation in the country was our first issue, and the results of the carried out work exceeded our expectations," Rouhani said.
He said that the point to point inflation has decreased from 43 percent to 28 percent during his administration, which is a big success.
According to Rouhani, the unemployment in Iran has decreased, and the liquidity rate has been kept under control.
Speaking of cash subsidies, Rouhani said the administration will continue to pay them out to the people.
Transferring some issues to people
Rouhani recommended the provinces' governors to transfer some of the issues to the people. The president also highlighted the role of non-governmental organizations.
Further speaking, Rouhani said that all people in Iran, including various ethnic and religious groups are equal.
Touching upon the over-crowded Tehran, he said the reason for that is provinces of the country have limited social and civil rights - something that the governors of the provinces should pay attention to.
With regards to Iran's lake Urmia, Rouhani criticized previous policy on the lake, saying that it's necessary to pursue the projects for the lake's survival.
"If the lake dries up, this kind of threat will not be comparable to any other threat," he said, adding that millions of citizens will be forced to immigrate from the nearby areas.