Supreme Leader of Islamic Ummah Imam Khamanei Endorses Sheikh Rouhani as 7th President of Iran

Iran’s new President Sheikh Hassan Rouhani is set to take the oath before parliament on Sunday a day after taking office with a promise to work to ease crippling Western sanctions.

The Supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran has formally endorsed Sheikh Rouhani as the country’s president on Saturday, opening the way for the moderate cleric to take over from Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Rouhani’s predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani, Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani, and a number of other officials attended the ceremony which broadcast live on state television.

The moderate conservative, who is himself a former chief negotiator in the nuclear talks with the major powers, vowed to engage more constructively with the international community, pledged to follow a “path of moderation” and promised greater openness over the country’s nuclear program, which has placed it at odds with the west.

“The trajectory of my government will be saving Iran’s economy and constructive engagement with the world,” Rouhani said in his Saturday’s speech.

My government, “will take fundamental steps in elevating Iran’s position based on national interest and lifting of the oppressive sanctions,” he said.

Hailing Ahmadinejad’s efforts during the last eight years, Ayatollah Khamenei heaped praise on Rouhani and said his election had delivered a “clear message” to the world.

“There is a clear message in electing a competent individual with more than three decades of service to the (Islamic republic’s) establishment,” the Supreme Leader said.

Rouhani scored a surprise, first-round victory against several conservative candidates in a June 14 presidential election.
All foreign diplomats were invited to the inauguration but Britain declined to send an envoy.