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Hassan Rouhani

TEHRAN. — The swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani kicked off in the capital, Tehran yesterday in the presence of senior Iranian state and military officials as well as foreign dignitaries. Over 249 Iranian and foreign officials were present at the ceremony, including several world leaders. According to Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyed Abbas Araqchi, foreign dignitaries from 52 countries and the United Nations as well as three special guests are attending the swearing-in ceremony of President Hassan Rouhani.

“Ten presidents, eight vice-presidents, two prime ministers, three deputy prime ministers, seven parliament speakers, 11 foreign ministers and 13 other ministers represent their governments in today’s ceremony,” Araqchi said.

The swearing-in ceremony was held a day after Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei endorsed Rouhani’s presidential decree.
The endorsement ceremony on Saturday which lasted for about an hour was attended by senior Iranian state and military officials as well as foreign dignitaries.

Addressing the endorsement ceremony yesterday, Rouhani said “the election displayed maturity of the ruling system and built increasing trust between the ruling system and the people”.

“The June election was held with full transparency, rivalry and tranquillity and its results surprised many because Iran, which was imagined by ill-wishers to start experiencing domestic conflicts and a wide gap between the state and the nation as a result of sanctions and isolations, created an almost unique epic through hectic election and massive participation of the people from different walks of life (in that election),” he noted.

Rouhani promised to concentrate more on economic prosperity and increased investment in industries and agriculture, saying that his “government’s orientation will comprise saving Iran’s economy, reviving ethics and constructive interaction with the world”.

Rouhani also called on Western governments to stop using the language of sanctions to address the Islamic Republic.
“I say candidly that if you want a proper response, speak to Iran not with the language of sanctions but with the language of respect,” Rohani said in his inauguration ceremony in the Iranian Majlis (parliament) yesterday.

The new chief executive noted that the only way for interaction with Iran is “dialogue on equal footing, mutual confidence-building, mutual respect and reduction of hostilities.”

Rouhani stated that his policy would be based on “reducing tensions, mutual confidence-building and constructive interaction” with the world.
“I make it clear here that Iran has never been at war with the world,” he said, adding that the Islamic Republic will concentrate its efforts on “reining in warmongers.”

“The Islamic Republic seeks peace and stability in the region. Iran is the harbour of stability in this tumultuous region.
“We do not seek to change borders and governments,” noted Rohani.

The US has imposed several rounds of illegal sanctions on Iran, which Washington claims to be aimed at pressuring Tehran to abandon its nuclear energy programme.

In its latest measure against Iran, the US House of Representatives last Wednesday approved a bill to impose tougher sanctions on Tehran’s oil exports and financial sector.

Tehran has categorically rejected West’s accusations, arguing that as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and a committed member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, it is entitled to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

The Iranian president vowed to take “new steps on the scene of international relations in a bid to enhance Iran’s dignity and position based on national interests and removal of the present cruel sanctions”.

Rouhani emerged victorious in Iran’s June 14 presidential election, which was marked by a high voter turnout. He won 50,7 percent of the votes.
The Interior Ministry put voter turnout at 72.7 percent.

Rouhani has been a representative of Ayatollah Khamenei at the Supreme National Security Council for nearly two decades. He is also a member of the Expediency Council and the Assembly of Experts and was the president of the Expediency Council’s Centre for Strategic Research until today.

Meanwhile, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) closed its airspace to the flight of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir who planned to visit Iran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s new president.

The Sudanese president was travelling to Tehran to attend Rouhani’s inauguration ceremony yesterday afternoon, al-Mayadeen news website reported.
Al-Mayadeen added that President al-Bashir’s plane had returned to Khartoum Airport.

The Sudanese president had been invited by the Iranian foreign ministry to take part in the swearing-in ceremony of President Rouhani today.
Sudan’s media outlets had earlier informed that President Bashir would be traveling to Tehran for the ceremony. —  FNA/Press TV.