http://www.cnbc.com/id/102311409
In a Sunday speech to economists, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani advocated more integration with the global economy, saying that Iran can't grow "while we are isolated" and must try reach a deal on its contested nuclear program. Iran has until June to hammer out an agreement that it hopes will lift sanctions on the country.
Rouhani also called for economic reforms that would increase competition and transparency, curb corruption and expand taxation to certain groups aligned with the government. He also said he would like to see major economic, social, political and cultural issues "put to public referendum rather than parliamentary vote."
"Our economy will not prosper as long as it is monopolized (by the government). The economy must be rid of monopoly and see competition," he said.
Rouhani did not explicitly call for a public vote on the country's nuclear program, but some Iran watchers took his comments as a sign that he supports that option.
