Sunday, 17 January 2016

Iran: Rouhani targets economic boom as he hails 'golden' nuclear deal

Iranian president Hassan Rouhani has described the nuclear deal with world powers as a “golden page” in the country’s history which could help to transform the economy.
Addressing parliament and presenting the draft budget on Sunday, Rouhani said the deal was a “turning point” for the country’s prosperity.
The Islamic republic emerged from years of economic isolation on Saturday when world powers lifted crippling sanctions after confirming that Tehran had curbed its nuclear programme as part of a deal agreed last year.
“The nuclear deal is an opportunity that we should use to develop the country, improve the welfare of the nation, and create stability and security in the region,” Rouhani said.
Tehran also announced the release of five Americans including Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian as part of a prisoner swap with the United States, to reduce decades-old hostility.
As tens of billions of dollars worth of Iranian assets were due to be unfrozen and barriers to international business come down, Rouhani said the deal was a “turning point” for the economy of 80 million people.
It was an opportunity for Iran’s economy to cut its “umbilical cord” to oil while prices were low. Benchmark Brent crude closed below $29 a barrel on Friday, and may fall further as Iran has pledged to raise its supply after sanctions were lifted.

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