Iran’s President Says Country Will Meet All Its Commitments on Nuclear Deal
Published at
iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani Friday hailed the framework agreed in Switzerland, and promised that the country will meet all of its commitments.
In a speech carried live on Iranian TV, he said, “We have secured our nuclear rights, the removal of sanctions and constructive engagement with the world.”
He said the agreement showed the P5+1 had accepted enrichment on Iranian soil, and in so doing, agreed that Iran is not a threat to anyone.
Addressing Iran’s hardliners, Rouhani said “some think we have to fight the world or surrender. We think there is a third way: cooperation. The West sanctioned us to make us surrender, but saw that we would not give in…The world should know we stand by our commitments. But the other side must also meet its commitments.”
And for the first time, he hinted at more to come — saying the nuclear talks were the first step towards constructive interaction with the world: “It’s not just the nuclear issue…This is the first step towards the constructive cooperation and interaction with the world. In today’s world, security [is] not possible without cooperation and coordination…pursuing with all who…deal with Iran with hand of friendship…will improve relations…with countries we have tense relations.
“We are seeking to end these hostilities…without a doubt cooperation and interaction will be to the benefit of everybody. …The final point is that the people, our people, [have] taken a step on the path to remove obstacles in our foreign relations and we must now take further steps.”
Until now, both sides have compartmentalized the nuclear file — keeping it separate from the other issues.
The framework agreement makes clear that sanctions on Iran for terrorism and human rights abuses will remain. Rouhani signaled clearly that he wants any nuclear agreement to be just the start.
World News Videos | US News Videos
Follow @ABCNewsRadio
Copyright © 2015, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.