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21:00 GMT
TEHRAN, Dec 31 (KUNA) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Sunday that under the constitution the people have the right to criticize, or even protest against, the government.
Demonstrators need to take the correct way while demanding improvement in the economic conditions; they have to distinguish between criticism and violence, Fars News agency quoted him as saying at a cabinet meeting.
Everybody have to realize the sensitive situation being undergone by the country and the region, and take stock of national interests while demanding improvement in their daily lives, he said.
President Rouhani noted that some decisions difficult to make and need time to bear fruit.
He urged the competent authorities to forbear from interfering in the lawful peaceful protest rallies while making sure that there are no riots or attacks on public or private property.
He highlighted the need to protect the national unity and help all segments of the society to coexist under a single government.
Several Iranian cities have been scenes of anti-government protests that left two deaths and 52 persons behind bars. (end)
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