Brussels, 17/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - Over the weekend, Western countries expressed hope that the new Iranian president, Hassan Rohani, might be someone with whom the international community will be able to work on the nuclear issue and Syria. During his campaign, Rohani supported greater flexibility with the West on the nuclear issue so as to put an end to the sanctions that have plunged Iran into serious economic crisis. He also spoke of possible direct talks with the USA - Iran's historic enemy. He nevertheless said that Iran's government would not be a government of compromise and surrender.
High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said she remained “firmly committed to working with the new Iranian leadership towards a swift diplomatic solution of the nuclear issue”.
According to a press release from the British Foreign Office, the UK called on Rohani to set Iran on a new course - in particular by addressing the international community's concerns about Iran's nuclear programme, by bringing progress to a constructive relationship with the international community , and by improving the political situation and human rights.
France's Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said that the international community's expectations for Iran were strong - especially for its nuclear programme and commitment in Syria. He said that France was ready to work with the new president.
Germany's Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle welcomed a vote in Iran for reforms and a constructive foreign policy.
Italy's foreign minister, Emma Bonino, said Italy hoped it would be possible, with the new president Rohani, to work on the development of bilateral relations and to begin a renewed period of understanding and constructive dialogue.
The USA stated that it remained ready to collaborate with Tehran directly on the issue of the Iranian nuclear programme after Rohani's victory, Rohani being considered a moderate. The White House confirmed that such an engagement would have the goal of finding a diplomatic solution that would appease the concerns of the international community on the Iranian nuclear programme.
In a message to Rohani on Sunday, Russia's President Vladimir Putin sent his congratulations and said that he was confident that the new president would work for Iran's prosperity and closer links between the two countries, as Iran is a friend of Russia.
Speaking through its minister for intelligence, Israel called on the great world powers on Sunday to keep up pressure on Iran. Israel did not believe that Rohani was very likely to put a brake on the Iranian nuclear programme. (LC/transl.fl)