Rouhani: ‘Country Needs Resolve to Distance Itself from Extremism’

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in his first speech to the nation as president that the country needs “national resolve to distance itself from extremism in policymaking and management.” 

“The dialogue that won the majority vote in the election was moderation,” Rouhani said at his endorsement ceremony on Saturday. With senior Iranian leaders, including the supreme leader and former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, sitting at the rostrum, Rouhani promised “constructive interaction with the world.”

"Moderation does not mean deviating from principles and it is not conservatism in the face of change and development. Moderation is an active and patient approach in society in order to be distant from the abyss of extremism,

“In the international arena we will also take new steps to promote the Iranian nation towards securing national interests and removing sanctions. Although there are many limitations, the future is bright and promising,

“The priority of the (new) government is Iran's economic salvation, constructive interaction with the world, and a restoration of morality,” Rouhani said in his speech.

Rouhani said the June 14 election decreased social and political gap inside the country and strengthened national unity, strengthening Islamic Republic’s regional and international standing. 

“The joy resulting from this trust [of the people] created a new social wealth for Iran that not only repelled various … threats from the country but also created new opportunities for [taking] a leap towards the country’s progress,” Rouhani said.

Sources: IRIB/Press TV/Reuters, 3 August 2013

The new president’s swearing-in ceremony will be held on Sunday with the participation of Iranian officials as well as foreign dignitaries.

Photo credit: President Hassan Rouhani speaking after confirmation of his election victory by the supreme leader, seated at left. Also present at the rostrum was Iran’s elder statement Ayatollah Rafsanjani, seated at right.

Blair on Extremist Islamic Ideology and Iran

Former British premier Tony Blair today defined “extremist Islamic ideology” as the primary danger to civilization, with Iran as its central state.

“The [extremist Islamic] ideology now has a state, Iran- that is prepared to back and finance terror in the pursuit of destabilizing countries whose people wish to live in peace,” Blair said during a speech in New York (Guardian, 18 October).

The former PM warned against any retreat in the face of a situation similar to rising fascism in 1920s.

“There is a tendency even now, even in some of our own circles, to believe that they are as they are because we have provoked them and if we left them alone they would leave us alone. I fear this is mistaken. They have no intention of leaving us alone," Blair said.

Tony Blair’s statement is one of the most comprehensive definitions of Islamic fundamentalist ideology and Iran’s role as its central state. It carries a number of important political implications as well.