Ex-intelligence chief says he will definitely run for president

BIRJAND, Iran,Feb20(MNA) – Former intelligence minister Ali Falahian said he will certainly run in the presidential election as “the public calls” for him to run for the post has reached a necessary level. “Public calls for me have reached the necessary level and (therefore) my candidacy in the 1392 election is certain,” the former intelligence chief told a press conference on Monday in Birjand, South Khorassan Province. Iran’s presidential election will be held on June 14 which corresponds with Khordad 24th of the national calendar year 1392. He said stabilizing prices and fighting inflation will be among his main priorities. Falahian also said “modern Islamic state” will be his main campaign slogan. He said in appointing his cabinet team he will only look at people’s knowledge, management capability, and sincerity. “In selecting managers I will not care about their political disposition.” Asked which faction he thinks will back him up in the election, he said his prediction is that principlists will support him. Falahian ran unsuccessfully for presidential election in 2001.