Zibakalam asks Rouhani to hold referendum on relations with US

Young journalists club

News ID: 1758
Iran » Iran
Publish Date: 13:39 - 28 July 2013
Tehran, YJC. President-elect’s consultant has asked him to hold a referendum whether to commence relations with the US.

Political Sciences Professor at Tehran University and one of Rouhani's consultants has in a letter asked the President-elect to hold a referendum on Iran-US relations.

Pointing to the 59th article of the Islamic Republic of Iran Constitution Zibakalam has said "Iran is facing vast and deep problems… At least 19 million of the Iranian people have voted for you to support changes in our foreign policy and the way we relate to the world. But some officials still insist on continuing the policy. I believe that by considering referendum on important issues, the 59th article of our constitution has given us the way out of such a crossroad.”

Zibakalam adds "The most logical way is to ask the Iranian people whether they like hostility with the US or not. If the majority voted that they still demand the continuation of enmity with the US, then your Excellency may fare on that path in earnest. But if on the contrary, the majority would like to stop the animosity towards the West and the US; demanding interaction with the world, then authorities may pay respect to people’s opinion.”

Meanwhile some experts believe that based on the 59th article of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Constitution saying that "in highly important economical, political, social, and cultural issues” it is the Legislative Branch that is responsible for holding the referendum, while the President does not have the privileges needed for doing so.

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