Khatami declares bid for Iran’s presidency
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AP
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Şubat 10, 2009 00:00
TEHRAN - Former Iranian President Mohammed Khatami declared he would run again for president, setting the stage for a major political showdown pitting the popular reformist leader - who made dialogue with the West a centerpiece of his eight years in office - against the country's ruling hard-liners.
His comeback candidacy poses a serious challenge to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose mixture of anti-Western rhetoric and fiery nationalism sharply contrasts Khatami's tempered tones and appeals for global dialogue.
"I seriously announce my candidacy in the next (presidential) election," Khatami announced late on Sunday after a meeting with his supporters. He said he decided to seek the presidency in June 12 vote because it was impossible for someone like himself who was interested in the fate of Iran to remain silent. The 65-year-old liberal cleric said he is "attached to the country's greatness and the people's right to have control over their own fate."
New politics signals
Khatami's decision to run against Ahmadinejad could significantly shake up Iran's politics. Ties between the U.S. and Iran improved marginally during Khatami's eight years in office. But it deteriorated after the Sept. 11 attacks when former President George W. Bush declared Iran belonged to an "axis of evil." Ahmadinejad later widened that gap after he was elected in 2005. But Khatami's decision to run comes as President Barack Obama has signaled willingness for a dialogue with Iran, particularly over the controversial nuclear program.
"I seriously announce my candidacy in the next (presidential) election," Khatami announced late on Sunday after a meeting with his supporters. He said he decided to seek the presidency in June 12 vote because it was impossible for someone like himself who was interested in the fate of Iran to remain silent. The 65-year-old liberal cleric said he is "attached to the country's greatness and the people's right to have control over their own fate."
New politics signals
Khatami's decision to run against Ahmadinejad could significantly shake up Iran's politics. Ties between the U.S. and Iran improved marginally during Khatami's eight years in office. But it deteriorated after the Sept. 11 attacks when former President George W. Bush declared Iran belonged to an "axis of evil." Ahmadinejad later widened that gap after he was elected in 2005. But Khatami's decision to run comes as President Barack Obama has signaled willingness for a dialogue with Iran, particularly over the controversial nuclear program.