Bob Carr (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

The Australian government congratulates the people of Iran on their strong and peaceful participation in the vote held on 14 June. The people of Iran chose their President, and Hassan Rohani is the declared winner with around 51 per cent of the vote in a turnout estimated by state media at 70 per cent.

Images of Iran's last presidential elections, held in 2009, have been hard to forget. Peaceful protesters in 2009 took to the streets in their thousands. Neda Agha-Soltan, a 27-year-old student, was shot dead. Footage of her final moments was broadcast across the world by social media. Again this year there was a crackdown on freedom of expression, freedom of the media and other civil liberties in the lead-up to the presidential poll. Iran's leadership determined which candidates could run. But the Iranian people have chosen a new President and it is now time to examine the country's future.

Dr Rohani must show leadership and follow the wishes of the Iranian people in finding a new direction for their country. We hope that this includes constructive engagement in international negotiations on Iran's nuclear future. During his election campaign, Dr Rohani said:

I will pursue a policy of reconciliation and peace. We will also reconcile with the world.

He also said that there is no use in centrifuges spinning if the economy is not. It is vital that the new Iranian government addresses the international community's deep and legitimate concerns about Iran's nuclear program and that that is part of the new government's engagement with the world. (Time expired)