Tehran, YJC. Hashemi Rafsanjani says everyone who feels entitled for candidacy must come to the stage.
In a meeting with members of the Reform Front Coordination
Council, Ayatollah Hashemi said "People demand change in executive procedures,
not a change of instruments. If things are to pivot on the same hinge, situations will grow even worse.”
He asserted "All must do their best. All must step forward
in their optimal shape if they have the ability to serve the country. This way
if they are not wanted they wont be responsible to God or to people.”
Hashemi also pointed out that the next administration will
have a very tough job, adding "I will not demur. If I feel that I can rid the
country of these harsh circumstances I will step forward. This is a duty with
everyone. Everyone with a bit of reputation and ability must come forward.”
In answer to persistant questions at the end of the meeting,
Hashemi said "I never said outright that I wont run, because in that case I could
not know how to answer to God, the Imam, or the people. We must see what fate
brings up.”
In the meantime, Tehran University Professor and an analyst
close to Head of the Expediency Discernment Council, Sadeq Zibakalam in interview with Mosalas magazin says that Hashemi and Khatami will run for presidency and that in the end Khatami
will step down in Hashemi’s favor. But he also believes that if Hashemi runs, the
Principalist and governmental sides will ally against him.