President-elect Hassan Rouhani called on Wednesday, July 3 for the government and powerful clergy to end interference in the private lives of the Iranian people, free up Internet access and allow state media to be more open about Iran's problems, Reuters reported.

"There shouldn't be any rift or division between the government or the clergy especially at a time when people have pinned their hopes on seeing some sort of change in society," Rouhani, a mid-ranking cleric, told fellow clergymen in Tehran.

"A strong government does not mean a government that interferes and intervenes in all affairs. It is not a government that limits the lives of people. This is not a strong government," said Rouhani who takes office early next month.

"The power of the government lies in improving popular trust and...offering services, decreasing problems, setting the stage for further development of all citizens to help meet the needs of the people and desire for change," he said in an address aired on state television.