Quoting Khomeini, the Iranian president calls on the Revolutionary Guards to serve the whole nation. He also denies rumours that Pasdaran are involved in Syria's civil war.

Tehran (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Iranian President Rouhani called on the Revolution Guards (Sepāh-e pāsdārān-e enghelāb-e eslāmi, IRGC) to stay out of politics and be "a force for peace".

Unlike his predecessor Ahmadinejad, the new president, whose cabinet is made up mostly of Western-educated ministers, signalled possible changes to this branch of the military.

Ahmadinejad, a former IRGC member himself and a charismatic leader among basiji, used the Pasdaran against domestic adversaries, as he did against protests organised by young Green Wave demonstrators in 2009 when basiji and Pasdaran killed nearly a hundred people and arrested at least 5,000 people.

Speaking to a group of senior IRGC officers, Rouhani said, "As Imam [Khomeini] said during the [Iran-Iraq] War [in 1980-1988] ... the IRGC should not get involved in political games, as the body belongs to entire Iranian nation."

In a possible attempt to pre-empt criticism, Rouhani praised the organisation, and said that all Iranians should see the IRGC as their defender.

The president also addressed rumours surrounding the IRGC's economic activities, dismissing claims that it has been a vehicle for corruption, gasoline and oil smuggling or political tool to obtain lucrative contracts for firms linked to the organisation.

According Rouhani, Pasdaran's involvement in national development projects is needed to counter the crisis caused by international economic sanctions.

Another complaint the President dealt with was the involvement of Pasdaran troops alongside the Syrian army.

"The Guards do not seek [to establish] military domination in the region," Rouhani explained, adding, "Whomever Syrian citizens vote for to rule their country, we'll agree with it."

The speech by the president, who took office on 3 August, was coolly received by the leaders of the Revolutionary Guards and their affiliated organisations.

A report by a semi-official news agency close to the Guards, Fars News English Service, said, "Rouhani underscored the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps' might and power in defending the country's territories and interests," as well as "is a force to establish peace and not to ignite war in the region."

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