Despite its problems, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is a national document and committment to it should be recognized by both sides, presidential hopeful Ebrahim Raeisi said.

Raeisi made the remarks in the second group debate of presidential candidates, aired on the state television Friday evening with political and cultural issues in the spotlight.

He compared nuclear deal with a check which should still be cashed, saying that Iran has been fully committed to JCPOA.

He also referred to economy as one of the most important issues in diplomacy, urging all candidates to follow economic diplomacy.

Raeisi went on to say that Iran plays a crucial role in transit of goods in the region, adding that good relations with neighboring countries should be maintained.

'It's our honor to respect Iranian citizens' dignity so they should be supported by the government in case of any disespect,' he noted elsewher in his remarks.

'We are not going to move backward, we are not going to maintain the status quo, but we are going to change things to the benefit of people,' Raisi said.

The first debate focusing on social affairs was held live on state TV on April 28.

Ebrahim Raeisi, the custodian of Imam Reza (AS) holy shrine, Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri, Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, former minister of culture and Islamic guidance Mostafa Mirsalim and former vice president Mostafa Hashemi Taba, as well as President Hassan Rouhani are the six candidates to compete in May 19 presidential elections.

After the 1979 Islamic Revolution which led to the fall of the Pahlavi regime, Iran has held one election each year on average all of which have witnessed large turnouts of the people.
 

News ID 188358