Iranian President Mohammad Khatami pledged today to press on with his drive to reform the Islamic Republic after June 8 presidential elections, despite bitter opposition from the conservative establishment.
"Reform cannot be stopped because its roots are in the will of the people," he told state television in his opening comments of his re-election campaign.
President Khatami, standing against nine mostly conservative candidates, is almost certain to win the poll but is seeking a popular mandate for his bid to allow greater openness in Iran.
Conservatives dominating the judiciary and key state positions have vetoed many of the laws President Khatami introduced after becoming president in 1997, banned some 40 pro-reform newspapers, removed allies from office and jailed dozens of his top supporters.
"Reform is a vital and definite issue, reform can be blocked for some time, but this natural historical and human need of the people cannot be stopped," he said.