Iran's Rouhani: People should be 'completely free'

[September 19, 2013]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Iranian President Hasan Rouhani says his people should be free to think, speak and seek information on the Internet, subject to "the protection of our national identity."

In an interview with NBC News in Tehran, Rouhani says a "commission for citizens' rights" will be established "in the near future." He said the viewpoint of the government on censorship issues should be based "on our morals."

According to an NBC translation, Rouhani says, quote, "We want the people in their private life to be completely free. In today's world, having access to information and the right of free dialogue and the right to think freely is the right of all people, including the people of Iran."

Rouhani said Iran is "not in pursuit of nuclear weapons and will not be."

[Associated Press]

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