PBS TV Network's Interview with Dr.Rouhani

President Hassan Rouhani said settlement of Iranian nuclear issue could pave the way for more understandings with the US on other topics.

 “In principle, we regard the sanctions as illegal and inhumane because the sanctions are exerting pressure on the [Iranian] people and the sick and have a negative impact on the lives of children,” Dr. Rouhani said in an interview with the American PBS channel.

“We believe that sanctions are not an appropriate solution [to the Western dispute over Iran’s nuclear energy program] and cannot resolve any problems,” the Iranian president stated.

He added that Iran seeks a solution that would guarantee the nation’s legitimate rights and, at the same time, ally potential concerns.

The Iranian nation does not seek anything beyond its legal right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, he said.

President Rouhani emphasized that all of Iran’s nuclear activities are under the surveillance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and noted the agency constantly inspects the country’s nuclear work.

“Iran is a signatory to the NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) and all of its nuclear activities are in accordance with the Agency (IAEA)’s Safeguards,” Dr. Rouhani said.

He further stated that nuclear energy has turned into the symbol of the Iranian nation’s advancement in making use of modern technologies.

Answering a question on Iran’s support for Syria, he referred to the solid and deep relations existing between the two nations especially since the Iraqi-imposed war against Iran, noting that Syria, though an Arab country itself, stood with Iran all those years.

He said all should try to get the Syrian nation out of the crisis.