BBC News with Sue Montgomery.
The moderate cleric Hassan Rouhani has described his win in Iran’s presidential election as a victory of wisdom over extremism. Mr. Rouhani won 18.5million votes giving him just over 50% of the ballot. The turnout was high at 72%. Big celebrations are taking place in Tehran. Richard Galpin reports.
It was just a few days ago that he became in effect the opposition candidate after receiving the backing of two senior leaders of the Reformist Movement. His campaign suddenly gain momentum with many voters realizing it was worth taking parts in the election. He’s spoken out about the need for civil rights charter and for restoring relations with the West which’s imposed sanctions over Iran’s nuclear program. The British foreign office has called on the president’s elect to set a run on a new course and to address international concerns about his country’s nuclear program.
The United States has said it’s ready to engage directly with Iran over its nuclear program following the election of Mr. Rouhani. The White House praised the Iranian people for having the courage to make their voices heard despite what it called government obstacles including censorship, a lack of transparency and intimidating security. France said it was willing to work with Mr. Rouhani on the nuclear issue and the conflict in Syria.
Turkish police have evicted protesters from Taksim Square and Gazi Park in Istanbul with a show of overwhelming force hours after the Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan again demanded they end the occupation. The security services moved in swiftly using water cannon and teargas. After the raid, thousands took to the streets in the capital Ankara waving Turkish flags and chanting ‘dictator resign.’ Chris Morris has more from Ankara.