Rouhani on Economy, Elections, Syria

February 2, 2016

On February 2, President Hassan Rouhani discussed the economy, the upcoming elections, and the Syria conflict in an interview on state TV. The following are excerpted remarks from the interview.

Economy

"If U.S. companies are willing to come and invest in Iran, to bring manufacturing to Iran, we have no problem with that.”
 
"We can see an opportunity...Even if the oil price rises, we should rely more on non-oil exports."
 
"The leader said sanctions caused 40 percent of the country's problems: 60 percent of our problems are not related to sanctions, they are related to our own internal problems."
 
"In terms of cars, we must be world class, we must export cars; the recent contracts signed in France involve investment in Iran and manufacturing cars inside the country, and cars will be exported.”
 
“Now a new atmosphere and condition in interaction with the world and all activities in economic, cultural, and social fields has started and I hope we can make the best use of the opportunity."
 
“Iran’s strategic location, stability, sophisticated people, educated youths, and energy resources are amongst the reasons of international entrepreneurs and major corporations’ eagerness to participate in Iran’s market."
 
“Lower oil prices put pressure on us but we should also see the opportunities. We will gradually depart from the false economic addiction which is full dependence on oil, and next year’s budget will depend roughly 25% on oil."
 
“We should use the advantages of all countries; for us, relations with Asia is very vital and therefor, during Chinese President’s trip [to Iran] we decided to sign a long-term, 25-year contract."

 

 

The Region 

“The tension [between Turkey and Russia] is indeed very dangerous because both countries are neighbours of Iran with which Iran keeps good and close relations. The Islamic Republic of Iran will do its utmost to reduce and ease the tension, since it regards it against the benefit of Turkey, Russia and the whole region, as well. Some states regretfully assume that the tension is to their benefit and try to escalate tensions among other states and keep it going on to their own wills." 

Nuclear Deal

“All efforts in the JCPOA were focused on eliminating pressures and breaking a fence that enemies of the Revolution and the nation had put up."
 
“During recent years, the enemies could, as they said, make other countries and the international community follow them. Even our friends and neighbours did not want to have bank transactions with us."
 
“One of our important aims in JCPOA was people’s more welfare. In JCPOA, we were also seeking the cancellation of resolutions, recognition of nuclear rights, and lift of unjust sanctions."
 
“The Iranian nation have resisted against the enemies by tactfulness during the past years and this resistance, coupled with all branches joining hands, and more importantly, the Supreme Leader’s guidance was helpful to us and contributed to our success."

 

Elections 

“We will certainly turn a golden and brilliant page of the Iranian history book on February 26, because Iran’s political establishment is experiencing for the first time simultaneously holding two elections of Majlis and the Elites Council of Leadership, so the elections are very important for both government and the people." 

Environment

“Environmental issues have been the main targets of the government from the very beginning of its formation and the first of its cabinet approvals were the ones about Orumiye Lake, because it is determined to solve environmental issues."

“Although old, used cars are one of the reasons for pollution and there must be some modifications in their systems, but we must make some changes in the heating systems of the houses, as well; for the very reason, the government calls on all people to assist government in this regard. We must also make changes and adjustments in some factories’ structures to reduce the pollution from the industrial complexes."

 

Translations via Reuters and president.ir