(IRNA) - The West cannot impose its liberal democratic philosophy on Islamic nations because Islam's role in Muslim countries is completely different from Christianity's role in the West, Iranian Ambassador to New Zealand Kambiz Sheikh-Hassani said on Thursday.
"Today, the pursuit of religious belief is a personal matter for Christians. Religion and government for them are totally separate, reports Trend.
"But Islam has rules by which human beings should live and plays a pivotal role in life," he told reporters.
"Muslims have their own beliefs, culture and traditions. Only a government that takes these as its criteria and administers the affairs of the state taking into account Islamic values and democratic principles will be sustained."