Mashad, Dec 11, IRNA – President Hassan Rouhani said that electoral atmosphere should be legal, sound and lively and all individuals interested in serving the nation should run for the Majlis elections.

Addressing a meeting of Khorasan Razavi province coordination and planning council Friday, he added that demise anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) marks a sad and sorrowful occasion for humanity as heavenly message to the earth came to a halt following his death.

He further contended that Islam is a religion of peace and mercy but the sad part is that violence and terrorism are committed in the name of Islam.

Noting that Khorasan serves as the world cultural capital since the ancient times, Rouhani said that Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam, with his presence in Khorasan revealed that Islam is the faith of culture, logic and dialogue.

Presenting true image of Islam will attract world public opinion, the president said.

Rouhani also said that designation of Mashad as Islamic world cultural capital in 2017 is a good opportunity for dealing with Mashad's social and urban infrastructures.

He hoped that the next Majlis would be stronger than the earlier chamber in defending the Islamic system and public rights.

Parliamentary elections will be held in Iran on 26 February 2016 to elect both the Islamic Consultative Assembly and the Assembly of Experts.

By IRNA