Larijani: Bush startegy in Iraq and Afghanistan is contradictory

Iran supports any political trend coming to power through the ballot box, according to Iranian Majlis (Parliament) Speaker.

• “Iran is for democracy in any country. The Islamic Revolution is based on democratic values and principles,” Ali Larijani told Echorouk in an interview on Sunday.
• In 1979, the Iranian Islamic Revolution turned Iran from a monarchy into an Islamic republic after the overthrow of the Shah.
• Larijani said his country supported Hamas movement when it won the elections in Palestine because it took power in a democratic way, through free and transparent elections.
• “Palestinian people elected Hamas but the West imposed sanctions and embargo on them,” he added.
• “Here in Iran, we have clear and transparent principles. We respect any trend that comes to power by people’s votes.”
• The Speaker of Parliament said Iran welcomes any initiative  from the United States of America to bring stability to the region.
• “The Bush administration has not planned any serious endeavour. Its strategy in Iraq and Afghanistan is contradictory.”
• He believes that the U.S. administration must adopt new strategies and a different way to sustain stability in the region.
• “Members of the U.S. Congress used to convey letters to the Iranian Parliament to ask for opening political dialogue with Iranians.”
• Wearing the head scarf for women in Iran has been an obligation since the 1979 revolution. Yet, women walking in Tehran’s streets do not conform to the norms of the Islamic Veil or Hijab.
• “The point is that Islamic culture and education in Iran must be based on conviction and personal will. Islamic executives are working on this as they have the right concepts of the Islamic education,” Larijani said.
• “Islamic ideas in Iran are based on rational principles.”
• Iran’s Islamic Revolution broke out under the slogan of “exporting the revolution.”
• Larijani says Iran has no intention to interfere in domestic affairs of any country.

“We do not consider carrying out any attacks on other countries neither imposing anything on them.”