Zarif: Our people have a say in their own future
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the fact that the Islamic Revolution gave a voice to Iranians was its most important success.
Zarif made the remarks in an interview with US media 'New Yorker' which was published on Monday.
“The most important success has been to give the people a voice in domestic and foreign affairs,” Zarif was quoted as saying.
He added, “Our people believe—whether they agree with the government policies or they don't—that they have a say in their own future.”
'If you compare the situation with what we had thought are our ideals, then we haven’t achieved much,' he said in response to a question on the possible shortcomings.
'But, if you compare the situation with the realities of the region today, then I think we’ve done pretty well. So, it depends on what you compare it with. Obviously, we had much higher ideals both in terms of internal as well as external relations.'
Elaborating on the ideals of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Zarif said the goal had been “a form of government that combines two elements—Islam and republicanism. Islam and democracy.”
“The ideal society would have been a society where disparities would be minimal,” Zarif reiterated.
“And where Iran would be able to make strides in terms of science and technology, based on the capabilities of its own people and working with the rest of the world.” He added.
Iranian Foreign Minister went on to say that “we have made some achievements, but not to the extent that we had aspired.”
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