Video: Rowhani praises his 'victory over extremism' in Iran

Newly elected Iranian President Hassan Rowhani praised his election as a “victory of moderation over extremism,” and urged world powers to speak to his country with respect and acknowledge its rights in order to receive an appropriate response.

“This victory is a victory for wisdom, moderation and maturity... over extremism,” the mid-ranking moderate cleric who was also backed by reformists said in statements reported by AFP.

The interior ministry said Rowhani had won outright with 18.6 million votes, or 50.71 percent.

“A new opportunity has been created by this great epic, and the nations who tout democracy and open dialogue should speak to the Iranian people with respect and recognize the rights of the Islamic Republic,” he said. Then they will “hear an appropriate response,” he added.

Iran info-graph (Al Arabiya)

Rowhani was in charge of Tehran's nuclear negotiations from 2003 to 2005.

In major Western response, the United States said it is ready to engage Iran 'directly' after Rowhani’s election.

France had said it was “ready to work” with the moderate cleric.

“The expectations of the international community with regard to Iran are significant, especially about its nuclear program and its involvement in Syria,” French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said in a statement, according to Reuters.

Britain urged him to set the Islamic republic “on a different course.”

“We call on him to use the opportunity to set Iran on a different course for the future: addressing international concerns about Iran's nuclear program, taking forward a constructive relationship with the international community, and improving the political and human rights situation for the people of Iran,” a Foreign Office spokesman said, Reuters reported.

(With Reuters and AFP)