TEHRAN, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Iranian reformist presidential candidate Mohammad-Reza Aref said Tuesday that he will defend Iran 's "peaceful nuclear rights" if he wins the presidential election on June 14.
Peaceful use of nuclear technology is Iran's strategic policy and he will be committed to this principle, said Aref who was Iran 's first vice president from 2001 to 2005 under former reformist President Mohammad Khatami.

"We should not slacken in defending our (nuclear) rights," Aref said, adding that the West will further press the country over the issue if the Islamic republic slows down.

"In my opinion, the nuclear talks (between Iran and the world powers) should be conducted at higher level, since prolongation of negotiations and adding to the sanctions (against Iran) are the West's strategy and we should avoid it," he mentioned.

On Monday, Aref said the next government should adopt new policies to mitigate the "impact of the sanctions."

"The impact of sanctions on the country is a fact and we do not deny that, but, at the same time, we should make every effort to get the sanctions lifted," he said.

The Iranian hopeful said he would do his best to lessen and nullify the impact of sanctions through constructive cooperation with the country's friends and improve Iran's foreign relations.

By Xinhua

 

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