Iran: Positive European Reaction to Rafsanjani's Candidacy

Adnkronos International:

European diplomats have reacted enthusiastically to Iran's former president Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's decision to stand as a candidate in the country's presidential elections in June."For eight years, our relations with the Islamic Republic have been held hostage to institutions," commented one British diplomat. With the pragmatic Rafsanjani as president again, Europe will have the chance to make gradual, albeit slow steps towards a normal relations with Iran, the Financial Times quoted the diplomat as saying. READ MORE

"Rafsanjani represents the only chance for the Bush administration to begin a dialogue with Tehran," said an American diplomat based in Europe, who has long experience of Iran. "Rather than representing the best, Rafsanjani represents the lesser of evils," the diplomatic continued. Last week Rafsanjani opened a campaign office in the United States - where there are more than two million wealthy and influential Iranian exiles.

A European diplomat said that the last period of 'constructive dialogue' between Iran and the European Union was during Rafsanjani's last presidency (from 1993-1997). "At that time, everything was clearer and easier," stressed the diplomat, who was involved in negotiations with Iran at that time.

Rafsanjani's decision to stand in the 17 June presidential elections, will effectively put-off many of the dozens of other candidates who have already announced their intention to run.

Rafsanjani currently heads Iran's powerful Expediency Council, a body that arbitrates disputes between the Iranian parliament and the hardline Guardian Council, which can block legislation. He is believed to be one of the most influential politicians in Iran, and is widely perceived as the only individual who can salvage Iran's national unity.

He was president of the country for two terms from 1989 to 1997. During his time in office, he was seen as a progressive force, although he has taken on a more conservative stance since the election of current president Mohammad Khatami.

It is unbelievable that so many "diplomats" are ready to abandon the Iranian people who seek real democracy and despise the corrupt Rafsanjani. Rafsanjani is so unpopular in Iran that he could not even be elected to their parliament recently. While he may not be the "true believer" typical of Iranian hardliners, he is corrupt and power hungry. We must not deceive ourselves and support this so-called election nor its government.