Why Iran seeks constructive engagement - By Hassan Rouhani, president of Iran

[DonViejo]

Why Iran seeks constructive engagement

By Hassan Rouhani, Published: September 19

Hassan Rouhani is president of Iran.

Three months ago, my platform of “prudence and hope” gained a broad, popular mandate. Iranians embraced my approach to domestic and international affairs because they saw it as long overdue. I’m committed to fulfilling my promises to my people, including my pledge to engage in constructive interaction with the world.

The world has changed. International politics is no longer a zero-sum game but a multi-dimensional arena where cooperation and competition often occur simultaneously. Gone is the age of blood feuds. World leaders are expected to lead in turning threats into opportunities.

The international community faces many challenges in this new world — terrorism, extremism, foreign military interference, drug trafficking, cybercrime and cultural encroachment — all within a framework that has emphasized hard power and the use of brute force.

We must pay attention to the complexities of the issues at hand to solve them. Enter my definition of constructive engagement. In a world where global politics is no longer a zero-sum game, it is — or should be — counterintuitive to pursue one’s interests without considering the interests of others. A constructive approach to diplomacy doesn’t mean relinquishing one’s rights. It means engaging with one’s counterparts, on the basis of equal footing and mutual respect, to address shared concerns and achieve shared objectives. In other words, win-win outcomes are not just favorable but also achievable. A zero-sum, Cold War mentality leads to everyone’s loss.

full column
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/president-of-iran-hassan-rouhani-time-to-engage/2013/09/19/4d2da564-213e-11e3-966c-9c4293c47ebe_story.html?wpisrc=nl_opinions

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1. Iran and Constructive Engagement

Iran's new president Hassan Rouhani was elected by his people on a platform of "Prudence and Hope". This implies acceptance and commitments to established norms of conduct, including fighting TERRORISM, and adherence to established norms of conduct in the nuclear power era.

Mr. Rouhani's platform implies important changes in the willingness of powers to adhere to establiseh norms of conduct, particularly in the nuclear area. This requirement must be GUARANTEED by Iran if they really want acceptance by the West. Morover, Iran must be ready to submit its nuclear program thorough inspections by nuclear agencies, as requred.