Ex-Iranian president Khatami backs Roohani in presidential race
Former president Seyyed Mohammad Khatami announced his support
for the reformist candidate Hassan Roohani in the upcoming
election.
In a statement published on his website, Khatami thanked Mohammad
Reza Aref who withdrew his candidacy in favor of Roohani.
He also urged all the Iranians especially the reformists to take
part in the election.
Mohammad Reza Aref left the race for the June 14 election last
night.
In a statement on his website, the reformist hopeful announced his
withdrawal in favor of the reformist camp.
Aref said he made the decision by request of Khatami.
Aref said he relinquished his right to the benefit of the great
Iranian nation and described the decision as a manifestation of
genuine reformism.
Now the reformist camp has a single candidate in the race - Hassan
Rohani.
Iran will hold the 11th presidential election on June 14.
The voters will select the successor of the current President
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is not able to participate in the
elections for the third term according to the country's
constitutional laws.
The president of Iran is elected for a four-year term in a national
election.