Supreme Leader warns against electing a president how would bow before world powers

"When casting your ballot, beware to avoid bringing to office those who may want to surrender to the enemy and disgrace the Iranian nation," Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei said in the western city of Bijar Monday.

"Beware not to elect those who may seek to gain an international status by ingratiating themselves with Western regimes. They are of no value to the Iranian nation," the leader added, stressing the need for awareness.

Speaking in the Kurd Sunni-majority province of Kurdestan, Ayatollah Khamenei also urged the Iranian nation to participate in elections, rallies and efforts to build the country, while staying united and aware.

The leader's comments in the Shia populated city echoed his earlier remarks on the need to "prevent the likes of Shah Soltan Hossein from coming to power".

Shah Soltan Hossein was the last monarch of the Safavid dynasty (1694-1722) who was overthrown by Afghan rebels. During his reign, the capital Isfahan was sized, resulting in mass bloodshed and loss of poverty.

During his Monday speech, the leader also urged the people of Bijar not to migrate from their city to other regions, pointing out that "the period when governments disregarded remote areas is over".

"Stay, participate and lead this region towards prosperity... fortunately the service rendering government considers [the interests of] all the country's remote areas."

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has conducted two rounds of provincial visits to monitor the progress of regional projects and ensure ample funding.

Iran's last prime minister Mir-Hossien Mousavi and former parliament speaker Mehdi Karroubi, who are expected to be Ahmadinejad's main rivals in the June 12 vote, have also announced plans to conduct similar tours.