Iranian reformist candidate Mehdi Karroubi has come out with public criticism of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for his stance on the Holocaust (Shoah). By denying the Holocaust, Ahmadinejad is “doing Israel a service” and isolating Iran, he said.
Karroubi accused Ahmadinejad of angering the West for no reason through his controversial statements. He also accused Ahmadinejad of worsening the standoff over Iran's nuclear program by ignoring United Nations resolutions.
He has promised to change Iran's image if elected, and to seek dialogue with the West.
However, Karroubi has not committed to changing Iran's nuclear policy if elected, stating that issues such as the pursuit of nuclear capability are under the control of Iran's leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The fear that Iran is developing nuclear weapons is a central cause of tension in Iran's ties with the international community.
Similar Positions to Another Challenger
A second reformist candidate, former Iranian Prime Minister Mir Hussein Moussavi, has voiced similar criticism regarding Ahmadinejad's stance on the Holocaust and his antagonism towards the West. Moussavi, who is considered Ahmadinejad's strongest opponent, has also vowed to pursue international dialogue if elected, and to guarantee freedom of speech and freedom of the press within Iran.
However, while he supports dialog with the international community, Moussavi is a strong supporter of Iran's nuclear program, and says he will not drop the program despite international opposition.