Iran's supreme leader on Sunday criticized the government of President Hassan Rouhani for promoting a "Western-influenced" United Nations education plan which his hardline allies have said contradicts Islamic principles. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's remarks came ahead of May 19 polls, in which the president is seeking re-election. "It makes no sense to accept such a document in the Islamic Republic," Khamenei said, referring to the Education 2030 plan proposed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Khamenei did not give details of his opposition to the UNESCO plan, but hardline commentators in Iran have said its promotion of gender equality in education contravened Islam. Khamenei has the final say over policy in Iran and has repeatedly distanced himself from Rouhani in recent weeks.

Source: Egypt Independent May 07, 2017 12:11 UTC