Reformists should reach consensus to avoid electoral defeat: Iran`s Aref

TEHRAN,Jan.8(MNA) – Mohammad Reza Aref, who has been mentioned as a possible reformist candidate in Iran’s 2013 presidential election, has said that pro-reform groups should reach a consensus on their policy on the presidential election in order to avoid an electoral defeat. Aref, who is a member of the Expediency Council, made the remarks in a meeting with journalists and media people in Tehran on Monday. “Pro-reform media outlets should change the present climate, and if we do not want to face a defeat, we should reach a consensus. If the reformists, led by Mr. Khatami, reach any consensus, I will accept (to run for presidency),” said Aref, who formerly served as vice president under Mohammad Khatami. Commenting on the remarks by certain pro-reform figures saying that the reformists should not participate in the election, he said that such remarks are not in the national interest. “Considering our position in the system and the Islamic Revolution, the boycott of the election is out of the question,” he said. “The reformists should come to the scene if they want to achieve the (desired) result.” In addition, he said that the reformists should not set conditions, including the release of political prisoners, for the system to participate in the election because the system has shown over the past 30 years that it does not accept any conditions. Elsewhere in his remarks, Aref said that he believes that the only solution to political issues facing the country is “moderation”.