Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei officially endorsed new Iranian President Hassan Rohani during a ceremony held in Tehran on Saturday.

Rohani’s predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani, Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani, and a number of other officials attended the ceremony.

Rohani, who won 50.71 percent of the vote in the June 14 election, will take the oath of office in parliament today.

The Leader’s decree endorsing Rohani as Iran’s new president was read out by Hojjatoleslam Mohammad Mohammadi-Golpayegani, the head of Ayatollah Khamenei’s office.

Rohani promises to take steps for the removal of sanctions

Rohani delivered a speech after he was endorsed by the Leader, in which he said, “The Iran that they (the enemies) had predicted would be dragged into internal dispute and face a chasm between the system and the people according to their plans created a great epic and disappointed the enemies through the vibrant participation of people from all walks of life.”

The least the people expect from the administration is to create stability, allay their concerns, and resolve the problems facing the country, he stated, adding, “I believe that the power of the government lies in strengthening popular support and fulfilling the pledges made to the people. This commitment requires loyalty and honesty with the people.”

“The (outcome of the) election was not the result of a chasm between the people and the ruling system since the Iranian people chose a person as president who had serious responsibilities for years in the system of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The election demonstrated the Iranian people’s pursuit of dignity.”

Rohani added, “The orientation of the administration is toward saving Iran’s economy, interacting with the world constructively, and reviving morality.”

He said that he would pursue a path of moderation and his priority would be to improve the people’s standard of living, noting, “We will take new steps for the elevation of the status of the Iranian people, while serving national interests, and for the removal of the sanctions.”

Iran’s new president also stated that he would refrain from making “hasty” decisions and prioritizing his interests over those of the people.

Leader says a wise approach must be adopted in international dealings

After Rohani’s speech, Ayatollah Khamenei addressed the ceremony, saying that the focus of the activities of the new administration should be on economic and scientific issues.

He said, “Political issues are also important. I approve of the comments that the respected president made in regard to dealing wisely with various international issues, political issues, issues concerning international relations, etc. But this should be done with a wise and foresighted approach.

“However, we have enemies who do not understand the language of logic.”

The enemies have been unable to undermine the foundations of the Islamic system or prevent the country from making progress, Ayatollah Khamenei stated.

In his speech, the Leader also praised Rohani for the sincere efforts he has made for the country since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

Source: tehrantimes