Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has reacted to Iranian President Hassan Rohani’s 100-day report by inviting him to take part in a public debate.

The Fars News Agency reports that Ahmadinejad has written to Rohani, asserting that the report’s heavy criticism of the Ahmadinejad administration is “unfair and unfounded” and that “in the interests of the country” he had chosen to remain silent.

The letter goes on to add: “In respect to requests from various groups including political and economic experts, I felt it was necessary to invite you to an open debate in a friendly atmosphere in order to clear all doubts.”

He adds that his motivation to carry out this clarification is “in gratitude for the widespread efforts of collaborators and civil servants and private sector groups all across the country that accomplished their duties.”

He assures Rohani that the invitation is based not on “personal feelings” but merely a “feeling of religious and national” duty.

Hassan Rohani’s 100-day report was highly critical of the former administration, accusing it of leaving food reserves and the treasury depleted. He has also blamed the high inflation rate on the erroneous policies of the former government.

Radio Zamaneh