Iranian presidential hopeful, Ali Akbar Velayati, has criticized incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s foreign policy, saying Iran is facing lots of problems in its foreign relations.

Velayati, a former foreign minister, said the next administration should take up policies in Iran’s relations with other countries that will benefit Iranians' dignity.

Currently a top advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Velayati stressed that any future administration should use the expertise of qualified people in outlining its foreign policy.

He also expressed optimism that Iran’s nuclear issue would be resolved by the next administration.

Velayati belongs to the principlist Coalition of Three which also includes Tehran Mayor Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf and lawmaker Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel.

The coalition will pick one of its members with the highest approval rating as its nominee.

Registration of hopefuls for Iran’s 11th presidential election officially began on Tuesday. Hopefuls have five days, until May 11, to sign up for the presidential vote.

The president of Iran is elected for a four-year term in a national election, and the Guardian Council vets the candidates for qualifications.

News ID 184734