The Iranian president, who is in Khuzestan at the beginning of his provincial visits, addressed concerns about the lack of adequate government spending on development in this province, saying that a bill will be introduced in Parliament to allot a percentage of oil revenues to Khuzestan.
ISNA reports that in a speech on Thursday January 16, he added that his efforts to remove the international sanctions on Iran’s exports are being sabotaged by those who are benefiting from the sanctions.
“Some do not want sanctions to be removed because their personal interests cannot be reconciled with normal relations with the rest of the world and service to our people,” Rohani said.
He added, however, that he has chosen the best diplomats to engage in negotiations with world powers.
The Geneva agreement achieved by the Rohani administration in November will be implemented beginning January 20, and one of the first steps will be the release of $4.2 billion in oil revenues.
Rohani said: “What is important for us is that the red lines, which are national interests and security, be protected.”
He added that implementation of the agreement with the 5+1 will create “a new political atmosphere.”
Islamic Republic hardliners have expressed reservations about the Geneva agreement and some have even accused the Rohani administration of treason and acquiescing to excessive demands of the world powers.
