TEHRAN, June 25: The following are comments from officials, analysts and voters on the election result: White House: “We have expressed our clear concerns about the recent elections where over 1,000 candidates were disqualified from running and there were many allegations of election fraud and interference. We continue to stand with those who call for greater freedom for the Iranian people.”
Russian president Valadimir Putin: Congratulated Ahmadinejad on his victory and pledged to continue nuclear cooperation with the new Iranian leader.
“I am convinced that your election, which came as a result of the Iranian people’s will, will guarantee continuity in the development of partnership between our countries.”
German foreign minister Joschka Fischer: “The exclusion of numerous candidates before the election, as well as the progress of the election itself point to considerable shortcomings.
“Iran has shown steps in the right direction regarding the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, human rights, the fight against terrorism and Middle East peace process. However, Iran must provide objective guarantees its nuclear programme will only be used for peaceful means.
“Germany expects that talks between France, the United Kingdom, Germany and EU foreign policy chief Solana will continue with the new president under the terms of the Paris agreement.”
British foreign secretary Jack Straw: “I hope that under Mr Ahmadinejad’s presidency, Iran will take early steps to address international concerns about its nuclear programme and policies towards terrorism, human rights and the Middle East peace process.
“Regrettably, there were serious deficiencies in the election process by international standards ... For the Iranian people to have a fully free choice about their country’s future, they should be able to vote for candidates who hold the full range of political views, not just candidates selected for them.”
Kuwaiti foreign minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Salem Al-Sabah: “We hope that the new leadership will be able to build more supportive bridges with its brethren in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), especially since there are issues between GCC members and Iran.”
Karim Sadjadpour, analyst for the international crisis group in Tehran: “This all but closes the door for a breakthrough in US-Iran relations ... I think Ahmadinejad is less amenable to compromise on the nuclear issue, but it is unclear how much influence he will have on it”.
Rahmatollah Izadpanah, Iranian voter: “I vote for Ahmadinejad because he wants to cut the hands of those who are stealing the national wealth and he wants to fight poverty”.
Ramtin, 24, musician: “I don’t believe it. I am very sorry. He will definitely take back our freedom.”—Reuters
