President: Saudis should know there is no way but moderation

Tehran, May 22, IRNA – President Hassan Rouhani said that Saudis should know that terrorism is a big threat to the region and the world and there is no choice except moderation. He made the remarks during his first press conference since re-election as Iran's president and in response to question about his mechanism to improve Iran's image when Saudi Arabian official brands Iran as center of terrorism. Rouhani further noted that the government has announced from the beginning that it favors a world free from violence and extremism and it was welcomed by the world. The president also said that the era of interfering in other countries’ affairs, waging wars and funding terrorism is over and fighting terrorism is the only way ahead. Iran has always favored good ties with the regional and international countries, he said. Terrorism is currently ‘on the path to eradication’ although there is a lot to do in this respect, he said, noting that the solution is unity and consensus against terrorism. Iran has always been at the forefront of combating terrorism and the image of Iran is totally clear to the world, he said, reiterating that Iran has never sought nuclear weapons as International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has on several occasions verified peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. Iran plays a crucial role in fighting terrorism and ensuring regional security and stability and it will continue the same under the 12th government. Incumbent President Hassan Rouhani won a landslide victory in the elections by garnering over 23.4 million of votes (57%) from more than 41 million ballots cast on May 19. 1378/irna