Khatami. Undecided
Photo: Reuters
Ahmadinejad. Under attack
Photo: AFP
Khatami says Ahmadinejad 'providing enemy with excuses'
Former Iranian president heading reformist camp harshly criticizes 'aggressive slogans' voiced by Islamic Republic's current leader, government
Blatant and aggressive slogans give the enemy an excuse to harm our country and regime, former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami was quoted as saying Sunday by the reformist Kargozaaran newspaper.
Khatami noted that the struggle against the United States "does not mean increasing the expenses need to run the state."
In his remarks, Khatami voiced his harsh criticism against Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his aggressive foreign policy in regards to Tehran's nuclear program.
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He added that "the best way to fight is to advance independence and progress, increase the production and improve the economic situation, care for the honor of the state and people while maintaining our principles."
In a speech delivered in western Iran, Khatami also accused the Iranian government of releasing "false statistic data" on its activity. He implied that figures released recently by the country's central bank, that the inflation rate in August was 27.6%, were wrong. Western experts have estimated that the inflation rate was in fact higher.
Khatami is considered the most prominent figure in Iran's reformist camp and served as president of the Islamic Republic between the years 1997 and 2005. He refused to say whether he would run for president in the upcoming elections, scheduled to be held on June 12, 2009, stating he would deliver his decision "when the time is right."
Ahmadinejad, who was elected president in 2005 after presenting a platform of social justice, promised to improve the economy and fight corruption, but is believed to have failed.
Despite all this, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has expressed growing support for the current president in recent months, calling on Ahmadinejad and his government to prepare for another term.
