TEHRAN -- The former Vice President for Development and Social Affairs Abdollah Nouri underlined here yesterday that the print media plays a great role in development of the country and, therefore, should reflect the realities in Iranian society. Speaking to foreign and domestic reporters at a press conference, Nouri, the managing director of daily Khordad which is to be launched early December, added that the press should be the mouthpiece of the people.

He said that, during the past two years, big strides have been taken towards the press freedom and a good atmosphere has prevailed the mass media. He added that Khordad daily plans to attract those capable of conveying the realities to the country's officials. "We are to encourage thinkers not to undermine them," he added. Khordad paper will act within the framework of the Constitution and the Press Law and will be a forum to be used by thinkers and experts who support the system and Islam, Nouri said, adding that those backing or opposing the government, while respecting the authorities, will be free to express their ideas through the paper.

The daily, which is to hit the newsstands early December, is to be published in 12 pages with a circulation of 100,000. Dr. Ali Hekmat will be the editor-in-chief of the daily.