Azerbaijan, Baku, May 26 / Trend , D. Khatinoglu/
Mohammad Ali Abtahi, former Advisor and Vice President to Iran's former President Mohammad Khatami, spoke in an exclusive interview with the Trend Persian Desk
Trend : A video footage showing former reformist President Mohammad Khatami insulting Azerbaijanis in Iran has recently been spread. What do you think about it?
Mohammad Ali Abtahi: Former President Mohammad Khatami has never insulted ethic groups. This is pre-election provocation against reformists by governmental forces. This is not first provocation against Khatami. There were some provocations against Khatami before we withdrew his candidacy for coming presidential elections. For example, ruling coalition (conservatives) filmed statements by some religious leaders against Khatami. The footage about Khatami's insulting Azerbaijanis has been filmed in a secret way and this is a video editing. Khatami supports Mir-Hossein Mousavi from presidential candidates. "Mousavi is Azeri and was born in Khameneh. Conservatives seek to prevent Azeris' support for their native Mousavi by committing provocation against Khatami
Q: Whose platform do you think is more real and meets people's interests?
A: I think Karroubi's statements and platform are interesting enough and more real. Personally I support him. First of all, his platform puts special emphasis on human rights. Karroubi has mediated in release of political prisoners on numerous occasions. Karroubi is pragmatic. The people also support another reformist candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi. Karroubi has enough power to fulfill his promises.
Q: Will nomination of two candidates from reformists lead to division of votes of reformist supporters?
A: I do not think so. Each candidate has supporters. The elections are likely to be held in two stages. In the fist stage, participation of two reformist candidates will reduce number of votes for conservative candidate and current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. In this case, the second stage will be held and the reformists have a great chance to win in this stage.
Q: According to Iran's Constitution, military men can not intervene with elections. Despite this, part of corps of guards and volunteer revolutioneers support Ahmadinejad and other part support Mousavi. What do you think about it?
A: Participation and intervention of military men with the elections is illegal. The military men with civil rights may vote for candidates. But they can not advocate for or against any candidate. The head of the Iranian revolution Ayatollah Khomeini banned Sepah, Basij and the military to intervene with the elections.
Q: Which candidate has more chances to win?
A: I think, Ahmadinejad and Mousavi have small chances to win as they have no concrete platforms. Karroubi has a chance to win as he advocates certain changes in his statements. Iranian people welcome his statements.