Iran election: Hassan Rouhani in his own words Published duration 15 June 2013

image caption Hassan Rouhani: "The nuclear issue and the sanctions will also be resolved"

Reformist-backed candidate Hassan Rouhani has won Iran's presidential poll outright, avoiding the need for a run-off vote.

There was a high turnout among the 50 million Iranians eligible to vote for a successor to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

His eight years in power have been characterised by economic turmoil and Western sanctions over Iran's nuclear programme.

Here are some of the promises Mr Rouhani made and the views he expressed on the country's economy, civil rights and foreign policy ahead of the 14 June election.

In an election debate on Iranian TV, Mr Rouhani said that "upholding justice across the country and civil rights" were issues he would focus on if elected. He called for "rationality and moderation" in policies and warned against a hardline approach. (IRTV1, 7 June)

"What I truly wish is for moderation to return to the country. This is my only wish. Extremism pains me greatly. We have suffered many blows as a result of extremism." (Interview with Iran's reformist daily Sharq, 12 June)

"Social woes have been on the rise over the past years. I do believe that the only way to resolve these problems is decentralisation. Our problems will not be resolved as long as only the government is in charge of our cultural affairs." (IRTV1 election debate, 5 June)

"You should know the nuclear issue and the sanctions will also be resolved, and economic prosperity will also be created." (Sharq quotes Mr Rouhani as saying in his first TV election programme)

"I said it is good for centrifuges to operate, but it is also important that the country operates as well and the wheels of industry are turning." (Mr Rouhani in election campaign documentary on his life, IRTV1 10 June)

"Iran has nothing to hide. However, in order to proceed towards settling the Iranian nuclear file, we need to reach national consensus and rapprochement and understanding on an international level. This can only happen through dialogue." (Interview with al-Sharq al-Awsat, 13 June)

"The relationship between Iran and the United States is a complicated and difficult question. There is a chronic wound, which is difficult to heal. However, it is not impossible provided there is goodwill and mutual respect between the two countries.

"It seems that extremists on both sides are determined to maintain the state of hostility and hatred between the two states, but logic says that there should be a change of direction in order to turn a new page in this unstable relationship and minimise the state of hostility and mistrust between the two countries." (Interview with al-Sharq al-Awsat, 13 June)

"In my opinion, in order to reach a just solution [in Syria] that is accepted by all parties, Iran can play the role of mediator between the Syrian government and the opposition that is working hard to achieve democracy and good governance." (Interview with al-Sharq al-Awsat, 13 June)