Tehran, Iran, January 17
By Mehdi Sepahvand -- Trend:
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has appeared in a press conference to address the Implementation Day of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
With the nuclear deal, Iran has proven to be in possession of a greater power, which is that of diplomacy, he said, Trend correspondent reported January 17.
The president noted that with the nuclear deal, Iran has become free from the pressure from 6 resolutions by UN Security Council and 12 by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
From today on Iran's nuclear program will not be considered a threat to world, he stressed.
Rouhani also said that Iranian banks will have the chance of cooperation with world banks from the day on, underlining the opening of over one thousand LCs on the first day after the implementation.
"Today is a new era of our relations with the world," Rouhani said
Situation is ripe for welcoming entrepreneurs and Iran needs private sector to be active to attract foreign investment, he added.
The president said the government expects next year economic growth to hit a minimum of 5 percent.
He pointed out in the meantime 150 foreign companies from 50 countries have visited Iran.
Rouhani further said that the JCPOA means hurdles can be removed on the way of US investment in Iran.
On the prospect of the US violating the JCPOA, he said it does not matter what US government, they are bound to abide by deal.
"There are parties which might do otherwise, but important is world has come to realize sanctions is wrong path," he stated.
On regional issues, Rouhani stated the JCPOA can serve as a model for the settlement of regional concerns.
"The JCPOA means two sides with differences can sit and talk. The region is afflicted with numerous issues, such as terrorism. Differences exist between countries. But these need to be removed and the ground is paved for cooperation and political and economic ties."
"The problem of Saudi Arabia emanates from inside that country. Its approaches to the Hajj event did not fall within diplomatic morals as Riyadh did not make an apology."
People of Yemen are being bombed for many months, so any individual would condemn the killing of people, Rouhani said.
"Saudi Arabia started on the wrong path on its own. We hope it would go back and do things that would benefit society."
He said earlier the day a Saudi official expressed sadness over the Implementation Day. "That is not how a neighbor should behave," the president stressed.
He also said the JCPOA does not make Iran trust the US and if the US violated the deal, Iran will act accordingly.
"Iran has not, won't have much economic relations with US. Of course Iran is prepared for US investment and tech."
Asked about his view of China prior to Chinese President Xi Jinping visit to Iran, Rouhani thanked China and other countries that preserved their extensive ties with Iran during sanctions era.
"Iran and China can further expand their strategic ties and remain great economic partners," the president stated.
"Today we started to sell more oil, but Iran needs to work on nonoil exports as well," he said in another part of his speech.
On his upcoming trip to Italy, Mr. Rouhani infrastructure and energy will be discussed and a number of MoUs will be signed.