Iran subject to security threats in region: interior minister

Tehran, Jan 22, IRNA – Minister of Interior said Thursday that Iran is a subject to the security threats prevailing over the region. Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said that Iran is exposed to the security challenges created by al-Qaeda, Taliban, Zionism, gunmen and drug-traffickers prevalent around Iran. Underlining the need for establishment of economic stability, Rahmani Fazli enumerated measures taken by the government to rein in soaring inflation and said that this year's rate of inflation is not comparable by any means with that of last year in light of the record success of the government in the financial sector. He pointed to the significance of safeguarding the political stability across the country and said that political activities have to be made in a stable and hope-inspiring atmosphere. Rahmani Fazli noted that whoever intends to assume political power, has the right to do so in line with the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran guaranteed democracy and freedom of expression by authorizing lawful activities of the political parties. The Interior Ministry is consitutionally empowered to authorize establishment of the political parties to get involved in gradual and systematic development of democracy in the Iranian community. Democratic elections are also envisaged by the Constitution giving the people the power to elect their representatives to the parliament and take part in the presidential elections held every four years.