Rohani vows to reduce tension
Moderate president-elect Hassan Rohani yesterday vowed to apply "constructive interaction" with world powers to ease tensions raised by Iran's nuclear ambitions and its support for the embattled Syrian regime.
"Moderation in foreign policy means neither surrender nor confrontation but constructive and efficacious interaction with the world," Rohani said in his first live televised remarks since his election on June 14.
Iran is at odds with world powers over its controversial nuclear ambitions, which the West and Israel suspect have military objectives, and its support for Syria's President Bashar al-Assad.
Rohani, who thrashed his conservative opponents by winning almost 51 percent of votes to succeed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, did not mention either issue directly.
But he did say he would move to ease tensions after he formally takes office on August 3. Under his administration, "interaction and dialogue will be based on reciprocity, respect and mutual interest, and seeking mutual detente," Rohani said.
His tone contrasted with eight years under Ahmadinejad marked by fiery, contentious remarks on a wide range of international issues.
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