Continuation of Iran-EU3 dialogue best option: Rafsanjani

Islamic Republic News Agency:

Expediency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said here Wednesday that the best strategy is continuation of Iran-EU3 talks and patience by both sides.

"The sound strategy is that we should continue talks with the Europeans; and Europeans and we should be patient to build a sort of confidence which can enable us to carry out the enrichment," said Rafsanjani in an interview with reporters after formally registering for the 9th presidential elections. READ MORE

Commenting on the outcome of the elections, Rafsanjani said based on the exit poll results and investigations, he guessed half the Iranian people were willing to elect him. He said however one should wait and see the result.

He said that he planned to win the contribution of all groups and parties and his future cabinet will not be factional.

He added that he would in near future arrange a press conference to answer questions of the reporters in detail.

Rafsanjani will run the June 27 ninth Presidential elections for the third time.

Rafsanjani said he had not consulted the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei about his candidacy.

On regional issues and Iran's stances on developments in Iraq and Afghanistan, Rafsanjani said the Islamic Republic of Iran is in a position to influence regional issues very well.

"We can help prevent extremism in the region and if the Americans and aggressors do not abuse public rights and entrust regional affairs to the people themselves, we will help restoration of peace and calm in the region," commented Rafsanjani.

Rafsanjani is already using his new found status as the "moderate pragmatist." The mainstream media will love this. Notice that he is still advocating Iran's nuclear enrichment program. He also attempts to put the U.S. on the defensive on human rights.