Iran president called his re-election "a great event"
Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose re-election last month has been challenged by opponents, called the balloting "the most free election anywhere in the world."
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected last month, setting off days of protests.
"It was a great event," he said in a nationally televised address, CNN reports.
Criticism of government "is the key to the success of a nation," Ahmadinejad said during Tuesday's speech.
Everyone has criticisms, he said. "I have my own."
"That actually is the key to the success of a nation," he said.
Ahmadinejad also said the government should be reorganized, mentioning the areas of employment, housing and economic development.
"(We) need to create newer capacities and prepare ourselves for this new period," he said, apparently referring to the period following his re-election last month.
The speech follows a call from Iran's three top reformist leaders for an end to the "security atmosphere" in the country, referring to what they say is the government's heavy-handed response to those protesting the results of last month's presidential election.
The election -- which opponents charge was rigged -- was followed by street demonstrations and civil unrest that led to the deaths of at least 20 protesters and the arrest of more than 1,000, according to Iranian state-run media.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected last month, setting off days of protests.
"It was a great event," he said in a nationally televised address, CNN reports.
Criticism of government "is the key to the success of a nation," Ahmadinejad said during Tuesday's speech.
Everyone has criticisms, he said. "I have my own."
"That actually is the key to the success of a nation," he said.
Ahmadinejad also said the government should be reorganized, mentioning the areas of employment, housing and economic development.
"(We) need to create newer capacities and prepare ourselves for this new period," he said, apparently referring to the period following his re-election last month.
The speech follows a call from Iran's three top reformist leaders for an end to the "security atmosphere" in the country, referring to what they say is the government's heavy-handed response to those protesting the results of last month's presidential election.
The election -- which opponents charge was rigged -- was followed by street demonstrations and civil unrest that led to the deaths of at least 20 protesters and the arrest of more than 1,000, according to Iranian state-run media.
