The following is a selection of recent statements attributed to Hassan Rohani, the cleric and relative moderate who emerged the winner from Iran's June 14 presidential vote. The remarks -- on a broad range of topics, from the media to morality, the Internet and hobbies, the economy and state intervention in people's private lives -- were compiled from a recent interview with the "Sharq" daily newspaper, Rohani's website, and the televised presidential debates.
"Using the Internet, I must say, is one of my hobbies, regardless of whether I need it."
"Regarding reading, I must say I prefer reading academic papers rather than a novel. I prefer historical movies, but in general I like movies and I spend part of my free time watching films."
"Eight years of isolation is enough."
"All the people in our country, no matter which ethnicity or tribe they're from, should feel they're the citizens of one country and enjoy equal rights."
"We need moderation and rationality; we have to move away from extremism. Likewise regarding the issue of foreign policy -- we need to preserve the interests and national security of the country and we have to create the conditions for the necessary opportunities in the political, economic, cultural, and other spheres for our people."
"If we want to compete with countries like Turkey, Malaysia, and South Korea, we need to create a real revolution in our economy."
"There are a number of media in our country, but there is no variety. The press should work within the framework and shouldn't play with people's reputations."
"Our revolution was a revolution of light and morality, but today, where is morality in our society?"
"We have to give people a free hand; we shouldn't intervene so much in people's private lives and culture."
"In a government of 'Hope and Prudence,' men and women, boys and girls will feel free."
-- Golnaz Esfandiari
"Using the Internet, I must say, is one of my hobbies, regardless of whether I need it."
"Regarding reading, I must say I prefer reading academic papers rather than a novel. I prefer historical movies, but in general I like movies and I spend part of my free time watching films."
"Eight years of isolation is enough."
"All the people in our country, no matter which ethnicity or tribe they're from, should feel they're the citizens of one country and enjoy equal rights."
"We need moderation and rationality; we have to move away from extremism. Likewise regarding the issue of foreign policy -- we need to preserve the interests and national security of the country and we have to create the conditions for the necessary opportunities in the political, economic, cultural, and other spheres for our people."
"If we want to compete with countries like Turkey, Malaysia, and South Korea, we need to create a real revolution in our economy."
"There are a number of media in our country, but there is no variety. The press should work within the framework and shouldn't play with people's reputations."
"Our revolution was a revolution of light and morality, but today, where is morality in our society?"
"We have to give people a free hand; we shouldn't intervene so much in people's private lives and culture."
"In a government of 'Hope and Prudence,' men and women, boys and girls will feel free."
-- Golnaz Esfandiari
