BJP welcomes election of Rowhani as Iran prez

BJP prez hails Rowhani's victory; says he has the ability to unlock Iran's true potential

BJP today welcomed the election of Hassan Rowhani as the new President of Iran, saying moderate voices will now be strengthened in that country.

BJP President Rajnath Singh has congratulated Rowhani on his "remarkable victory".

"We hope moderate voices will now be strengthened. A moderate and stable Iran is in India's interest and it could bring peace and progress not only in the Gulf region and but also the world," Singh posted on microblogging site Twitter.

He said the President elect has the ability to unlock Iran's true potential with his strong belief in deliberation and hope.

Moderate cleric Rowhani became Iran's new president yesterday in an outright election victory that ends eight years of conservative grip on the top office.

Rowhani, 64, a former top nuclear negotiator who has championed more constructive engagement with world powers, won outright with 18.6 million votes, or 50.68 per cent of those cast.