France 'Ready to Work' with Rowhani as Britain Hopes He Sets Iran on 'Different Course'
France on Saturday acknowledged the election of moderate cleric Hassan Rowhani as Iran's new president, saying it was "ready to work" with him on issues ranging from Tehran's nuclear drive to the Syria conflict.
"The expectations of the international community with regard to Iran are significant, especially about its nuclear program and its involvement in Syria, " French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said in a statement.
"We are ready to work on them with the new president," he added as he praised the "Iranian people's resolute desire for democracy".
Meanwhile, Britain called on Rowhani to take Iran on a 'different course' following his victory in the presidential election.
"The Foreign Office notes the announcement of Hassan Rowhani's electoral victory," said an FCO statement.
"We call on him to use the opportunity to set Iran on a different course for the future," added a spokesman for the ministry.
The FCO highlighted international concerns about Iran's nuclear program, its relationship with the international community and its human rights policy as areas where improvement was required.
Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino also said Italy hoped to launch a "relationship of renewed comprehension and constructive dialogue" with Iran after the election of its new president.
"Italy trusts that, with the new government of Iranian President Rowhani, it will be possible to work at developing bilateral relations and begin without delay a season of renewed comprehension and constructive dialogue between Iran and the international community," she said in a statement.
Bonino said she noted "with pleasure the proper carrying out of the presidential election in Iran."
Moderate cleric Rowhani was declared Iran's new president on Saturday in an outright election victory that ends eight years of conservative grip on the top office.
Rowhani, 64, a former top nuclear negotiator who has championed more constructive engagement with world powers, won outright with 18.6 million votes, or 50.68 percent of those cast.
Source: Agence France Presse
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/87084 |