Tehran will continue its peaceful nuclear activities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), says Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani.

Tehran will follow all international regulations over its nuclear energy program, but will not accept any discrimination in that regard and will not give up its nuclear rights, said Rouhani in a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Iran is determined to reach a comprehensive nuclear deal with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany, stressed the Iranian president.

The Iranian President has criticized the sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic over its nuclear energy program, noting that the bans are illegal and undermine international law.

Rouhani said anti-Iran sanctions are illegal and contravene international laws.

President Rouhani further stated, “We are not afraid of threats and the language of threats is ineffective when it comes to Iran. The language they need to choose should be a legal one, a respectful tone of voice when addressing the Iranian people. It benefits our region and the interests of other countries.”

The Iranian president went on to say that the mistrust between Tehran and Washington is deep-rooted, adding that due to the policies adopted by various American administrations in the past 30 years, the Iranian public does not trust them.

Rouhani also underlined Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy and uranium enrichment, saying, “It is part of our national pride, and nuclear technology has become indigenous.”

He dismissed the possibility of a military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities by Israel, saying, “If they do such a foolish thing, our response will make them rue the day.”

Rouhani underscored Tehran’s readiness to have constructive interaction with the world in various areas, including economy, politics, and security issues.

I hereby announce that one of the theoretical and practical priorities of my government is constructive engagement with the world, he stated.

He also described the Davos summit as a good opportunity to exchange views on the better management of world affairs.

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has also emphasized the need for all-out efforts to fulfill the demands of the Syrian people.

“Everyone should try to meet the demands of the Syrian nation,” said Rouhani.

“All of us must jointly fight terrorism throughout the region since the Syrian issue has no military solution and the spread of terrorism is not in favor of any country,” the Iranian president added.

The Iranian President said holding “free elections” is the ultimate solution to the nearly three years of bloody turmoil in Syria, stressing that outsiders cannot determine the fate of the Syrians.

President Rouhani underscored the need for dialogue between the Syrian government and opposition groups, saying, “A free election is the ultimate solution [to the crisis] in Syria.”

“Everyone should try to lay the proper ground for free elections in Syria; and all should accept the people’s choice, whatever it is,” said President Rouhani, adding, “No foreign government or power can decide for another country and for the Syrian nation.”

The Iranian chief executive further called for efforts to put an end to the ongoing turmoil and bloodshed in Syria and to expel the foreign-backed terrorist groups from the violence-stricken country.

President Rouhani also expressed deep regret over the presence of extremist militants from across the Middle East and even other continents in Syria, saying it is a “great regret” that these terrorists continue to perpetrate acts of violence inside the Arab state.

The Iranian President has also criticized the UN over its decision to rescind an invitation to Iran to participate in Geneva II talks on the Syria crisis, saying the move is to the detriment of the world body.

Rouhani said the UN is the “ultimate loser” of the move by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

“Firstly, we consider it as our humanitarian duty to do anything to prevent the bloodshed in Syria, and anything that helps the well-being of the Syrian people. Stability in the region is very important for us. The civil war in Syria is not tolerable,” he noted.

“Regarding the invitation, we are ready to take part in any gathering aimed at helping the Syrian people. I am disappointed about what has happened. Not for ourselves or for Iran. I am disappointed for the United Nations and for its secretary-general,” the Iranian president said.
 

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