Iranian Pro-Reform Party Holds First Congress

A new Iranian political party viewed as pro-reformist has held its first congress in Tehran.

The Nedaye Iranian (Call of Iranians) party was formed in December and plans to compete in legislative elections in 2016.

One of the founders of the party, Mohammad Sadegh Kharrazi, was an adviser to former reformist President Mohammad Khatami.

Kharrazi said the party is seeking the "complete return of reformists to the Iranian political scene."

He said the party supports current President Hassan Rohani and "everyone who has reformist ideas."

Kharrazi said the party is aware there will be what he called "obstacles" for the party.

Nedaye Iranian is a coalition comprised of some 20 other reformist parties.

There are very few deputies in Iran's current parliament who could be called reformers and most reformist candidates chose to boycott the 2012 elections.

Based on reporting by AFP and naharnet.com