Iran: Rouhani hints will balance hardline,reformist demands

Vows constructive interaction,to name ministers from across political spectrum

Irans president-elect Hassan Rouhani on Saturday said he would appoint ministers from across its political spectrum as Iranian voters had chosen a path of moderation over extremism.

His victory in the June 14 vote has lifted hopes of a thaw in Irans antagonistic relations with the West that might create openings for defusing its nuclear dispute with world powers. Rouhani has pledged a more conciliatory approach than Mahmoud Ahmadinejad,under whose belligerent presidency the Islamic Republic drew ever more punishing international sanctions.

Rouhanis pledge of an inclusive cabinet could reassure conservative hardliners who look askance at the endorsement he was granted by reformists in the election.

In turn,reformists will hope to regain some political influence 8211; with the aim of easing repression at home and Irans isolation abroad 8211; after being sidelined under Ahmadinejad,who by law could not run for a third consecutive term.

The future government must operate in the framework of moderation 8230; and it must avoid extremism,and this message is for everyone, Rouhani,a former chief nuclear negotiator,said in a speech carried live on state television.

The next cabinet will be trans-factional8230; This government is not obligated to any party or faction,and will work to choose the most qualified people from all sides and factions,under conditions of moderation and temperance.

Analysts say Rouhani,a mid-ranking Shia Muslim cleric who has held sensitive security posts since the 1980s,enjoys an insider status and close relationship with theocratic Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,and may be able to build bridges between factions to yield reforms.

Story continues below this ad

But Khamenei will retain the final say on policies that most concern world powers,including Irans nuclear programme and its support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against rebels trying to overthrow him.

Rouhani also urged moderation in Iranian policies towards the rest of the world and called for a balance between realism and pursuing the ideals of the Islamic Republic.

Moderation in foreign policy is neither submission nor antagonism,neither passivity nor confrontation. Moderation is effective and constructive interaction with the world, he said.

The Islamic Republic of Iran,as a major regional power or the biggest regional power8230;,must play its role and for this we need moderation.